Public Safety rediscovers the wheel
Patrol bikes will be the new campus norm
Simon Kemp
Issue date: 11/12/09 Section: Features
Having a Public Safety officer on a bicycle allows students to identify with him easily. He also gets to learn more about everyone on campus, which can help in emergency situations where knowing even the smallest detail could make the difference between life and death.
An officer who is recognizable and approachable is more than just a safety measure - it's a revolutionary idea put into practice by UO and even the Eugene Police Department.
The bicycle holds its ground as being innovative both aesthetically and in practical application. The bicycle proves itself to be more ergonomic than a car or emergency vehicle in its role as a first responder. The ease of access on a bicycle is unique and perfect for maintaining public safety.
Dismounting is as easy as a hop, and if the officer needs to lock it up the only parking obstacle is finding something to tie it to.
"We've found when we've had a couple of emergency situations that we needed to respond to, the bike was usually there several minutes before anyone else was there," Speicher said. "As far as being a first responder, it really has some advantages there, because you can cut through places and go quite a bit faster than in a vehicle. You don't need to find a parking place, you're right there."
This makes the 24-speed mountain bike a substantial upgrade to Public Safety's manner of personal transport. The bicycle is environmentally friendly and economically sound, and LCC is riding that new trend.
"Other than being on foot, the car is probably the slowest way to get around campus," Vos said.
An officer who is recognizable and approachable is more than just a safety measure - it's a revolutionary idea put into practice by UO and even the Eugene Police Department.
The bicycle holds its ground as being innovative both aesthetically and in practical application. The bicycle proves itself to be more ergonomic than a car or emergency vehicle in its role as a first responder. The ease of access on a bicycle is unique and perfect for maintaining public safety.
Dismounting is as easy as a hop, and if the officer needs to lock it up the only parking obstacle is finding something to tie it to.
"We've found when we've had a couple of emergency situations that we needed to respond to, the bike was usually there several minutes before anyone else was there," Speicher said. "As far as being a first responder, it really has some advantages there, because you can cut through places and go quite a bit faster than in a vehicle. You don't need to find a parking place, you're right there."
This makes the 24-speed mountain bike a substantial upgrade to Public Safety's manner of personal transport. The bicycle is environmentally friendly and economically sound, and LCC is riding that new trend.
"Other than being on foot, the car is probably the slowest way to get around campus," Vos said.
Be the first to comment on this story