Bike patrols are cost effective.

Large operational cost savings of a bicycle compared to maintenance and fuel cost of a patrol car.

Bike officers can travel faster and farther than foot officers, and they are able to patrol areas unreachable by car.

Bicycles give officers the "stealth" advantage - because they are silent, cops on bikes can ride right up to the scene of a crime before they are noticed.

Bicycles are a great public relations tool - an officer on a bike is much more approachable than one in a patrol car.

Departments benefit from decreased health care costs and better officer fitness.

Officer morale is improved.

The Auburn Police Department Bike Patrol Unit was originally formed in 2006.

Officers who participate in this unit are required to attend a school for certification. Officers are taught bicycle safety, maintenance, riding techniques, suspect approach techniques, tactical dismounts, obstacle negotiations, emergency skills and legal issues.

In addition to the Community Patrol Services, the Bike Patrol Unit is used extensively during special events like parades and festivals, such as 4th of July celebrations and Auburnfest that are annually held in the downtown area of the city. 

The purpose of the Bicycle Patrol Unit is to perform visible patrol duties, community relations and crime prevention. The Bicycle Patrol Unit places police officers in the community where they are the most available to the general public. Here they can work side by side with the people in our community to reduce crime, prevent loss of property, stop personal injury, and promote a positive image of our department to both adults and children alike.

These officers are out of the police cruisers which gives them more one-on-one contact and communication with the general public. This allows the officers to get better acquainted with the citizens who live in their patrol area and to learn about the problems they are faced with, and to aid them in finding solutions to these problems.

Officer K. Rose On the Bike Unit during the July 4th Festivities at downtown Auburn.

Former Sgt. S. Perra working a detail in the downtown area.

The versatility of the Mountain bike works so well you would almost think it was designed for police work. Today, the "Police Bicycle" is used by law enforcement units from urban areas to beach sides to parks and recreation. Most recently, mountain bikes have been adopted by EMS units to patrol mountain ranges.