Campus police get motorized bikes to patrol campus

Beginning this month, Winston-Salem State University will become the first campus in the country to provide its security officers with electric-powered bicycles like ones currently used by U.S. military forces overseas. “Regular bike patrols are somewhat limited because it all comes down to the energy level and how in shape an officer is,” said Jonathan Martin, executive assistant to the Chancellor. However, the electric bikes, which look similar to mountain bikes, “have the ability to regenerate and recharge the battery by pedaling. So, in theory, you can really last longer by pedaling,” Martin said. WSSU has purchased four electric bikes. The bicycles are low-maintenance, quiet and operate with two motors – a 750 watt motor, with a top speed of 20 mph and a range of 15 to 20 miles and a 1,000 watt motor, with a speed of 30 mph and a range of 15 to 20 miles. The bikes fold in half for easy storage, and Martin added that they “create no emissions,” so are “environmentally friendly.” Campus police will use three of the four bikes. The fourth is reserved for Chancellor Harold Martin, who plans to use his bright red bike to increase his visibility on campus among students. Chief Willie Bell of the WSSU public safety department said the bikes will serve a dual purpose. They will create an opportunity for campus police officers “to enhance safety on campus” and “put us closer to our students.”    “We’re in a geographic area where we have a lot of hills,” Bell said. A physically-fit officer may still have problems on a manual bike once in pursuit of a suspect. In addition to the electric bikes, the university also plans to purchase some traditional bikes. And, Bell added that officers on all shifts will use both the electric and manually-operated bikes. With the addition of the new pedestrian mall and clock tower on campus, the need for bike patrols is timely, Bell said. Officers on bikes will have access to areas of the campus that are not accessible by police cars. Martin added that “research has shown that officers have a greater effect on preventing crime, as well as once a crime has been committed, apprehending those suspects through bike patrol.” WSSU worked in partnership with Wave Crest Laboratories, a Virginia company that focuses on innovative technology, to acquire the bikes. The university will host a National Launch Day on April 14th and 15th. The program will include a press conference and bike rides, among other activities. People across North Carolina and from out-of-state are expected to attend.  “Military officials, public safety agencies around the state, representatives from the 16 universities, representatives from private schools, politicians, leaders in technology and community leaders will be here to celebrate our partnership with Wave Crest,” said Martin. He added that Wave Crest is also open to the possibility of offering summer internships to WSSU students. “Hopefully something could be put together for this summer.”