The Torch

Issue date: 11/12/09 Section: Features

Media Credit: Javier Magallanes Public Safety officer Bill Speicher poses next to LCC's new Smith & Wesson bicycle, specifically designed for law enforcement, security and public service officers. [Click to enlarge]

Public Safety has a new mode of transportation that has proven to be more agile, friendly and cheaper to maintain than its classic counterparts. After doing the math, Public Safety Officer William Speicher initiated the process to start the bike program on LCC's Main Campus. A single 24-speed mountain bike is the new norm on campus.


"I did a proposal listing the benefits of having a bike program," Speicher said. "It's green, and it's very fuel-efficient, and it's actually maintenance-efficient. And the officer who is riding it gets a pretty good workout."

Kathryn Vos, Director of Health & Public Safety, really liked the idea of the bike program from the first time she heard about it.

The bike program is in its infancy and consists of a single 24-speed mountain bike, but Public Safety is hoping they will be able to increase that number soon.

Bicycles are cheaper to maintain and use less fuel than Public Safety's conventional vehicles and Public Safety's T3 Segway. The Segway is battery-powered and requires less maintenance than a motor vehicle.

As an emergency vehicle, the bicycle has proven itself to be more efficient in its role on campus, not to mention doesn't run on fuel, making it more economical than a car.

Two primary differences between a bicycle and a car are their appearance and horsepower. A mountain bike trades the intimidation and strength of a car for agility.

"The bike is also pretty stealthy, whereas a car is going to announce itself," Vos said.

The bicycle has proven to be adaptive in the campus environment. It faces fewer obstacles navigating through campus and allows the officer riding it to get an intimate perspective of the campus and students.

"One of the best aspects of it is that we are a little more up close and personal with the students and faculty and staff, rather than being isolated in a vehicle," Speicher said. "It's a lot more user-friendly with our students."

Continued...

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