Photograph by Jacqueline Ramseyer

The Sunnyvale Bike Patrol unit formally began operation in July of this year. The officers patrol either on bike or carry bikes on the back of their patrol cars. From left, Officers Don Discher, Marty Dale, Captain Byron Pipkin, Officers Marshall Clifford and Kevin Nelson.





Night Riders

Bike patrol out in force this Halloween to protect against ghouls and monsters

By Daniel Hindin

To ensure a safe Halloween for the children of Sunnyvale, the Sunnyvale Department of Public Safety will scatter its new Bicycle Patrol Unit throughout the city's streets on Oct. 31.

Although the first time the unit was officially deployed was this past Fourth of July, Public Safety has sent out infrequent patrols in recent years as part of Neighborhood Resource Program. The difference now, according to Bicycle Patrol Unit Coordinator, Lieutenant Steve Swenson, is that officers are now formally trained for bicycle duty and they now receive official assignments.

"We got our new police chief, Ernie Bakin, last June," Swenson explains. "People really liked the idea of bicycle patrols and they were pushing for a full time unit. The Chief decided we should focus on it. Many people have worked on getting this unit together. It was basically just handed down to me."

Swenson believes having a bicycle unit has many advantages. Bicycles allow closer contact with the community and the police riders are more readily accessible to people. Swenson says the bicycles make the officers more approachable.

Furthermore, Swenson says the Bicycle Patrol Unit increases their ability to fight crime.

"The more urbanized we become, the more crucial bikes become," he says. "This is one thing we can do to adapt to the increasing density and traffic in Sunnyvale. With the buildup of downtown Sunnyvale, it's easier for bikes to get from one place to another. We used to walk foot beats, but that's definitely not practical anymore. On the other hand, patrol cars can separate you from a community. This is the perfect compromise."

The unit is comprised of 25 officers--patrols consist of two or three officers at a time. They all travel on standard, plainly marked mountain bikes with minor lighting modifications and front suspension--rear suspension makes their travels too bouncy.

Bicycle officers carry basic police equipment, but they wear padded shorts and lightweight polo shirts. They must also wear helmets, despite that those over 18 in Sunnyvale aren't legally required to do so.

According to Swenson, the unit is not on the streets at all times. They're deployed whenever the Public Safety Office feels they will be useful. They are used at many special events like Midweek Madness and the Arts and Wine Festival. But Swenson says they are looking to expand the unit because it is such "an asset for crime prevention."

For now, they wait for days like Halloween to make themselves more visible. The unit will be out in full force next Tuesday. Not only will they patrol the streets of Sunnyvale for safety purposes, but they will give out candy and stickers to young trick-or-treaters.

The unit has a list of safety tips to help children stay out of trouble on Halloween that they feel will keep the need for the bicycle unit to a minimum:

* Children should be accompanied by an adult when trick-or-treating.

* Travel as a group.

* Trick-or-treat while it is still light outside.

* Wear a costume that makes it easier to walk, to see and to be seen.

* If it is after dark, wear a costume that is light in color or that glows.

* Carry a flashlight so you can be seen easily.

* Masks often impair vision. Before crossing the street, remove your mask.

* Use makeup instead of a mask.

* Pre-plan your trick-or-treat route. Select well-lighted streets.

* Cross only at corners. NEVER cross between parked cars or mid-block.

* Keep flammable decorations from sources of heat.

* Wait until you get home to sort, check and eat candy.

* Beware of candy that appears to have been tampered with.

* Don't accept rides from strangers or approach cars with strangers inside.

* Report suspicious persons to your parents or the local police agency.

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