Atlanta police unveil 15 new e-bikes to increase BeltLine patrol range – WSB-TV

Atlanta police unveil 15 new e-bikes to increase BeltLine patrol range  WSB-TV

Atlanta police partnered with local shops to introduce e-bikes aimed at increasing visibility and safety on the BeltLine. ATLANTA — Atlanta police are getting a new tool to patrol one of the city’s busiest destinations. The Atlanta Police Department unveiled a new fleet of electric bikes for its Beltline Path Force unit, a move officers say will help them cover more ground faster while improving public safety along the popular trail system. The new e-bikes come equipped with emergency lights and were introduced through a partnership involving APD, Pedego, Bearings Bike Works and Clutch Bike Shop. “We’re so pleased to support APD and the Path Force with these amazing bikes,” said Becky O’Mara of Bearings Bike Works.

APD purchased the bikes from Pedego, while students in the Bearings after-school program helped assemble them. Clutch Bike Shop will provide maintenance. Police say the bikes will allow officers to patrol farther and respond more quickly along the Beltline’s growing network of trails and neighborhoods. “Now that we have community and the businesses involved, we’re able to do a lot more to impact crime and get things rolling,” said Major Jeff Cantin. The added patrol capability comes after several high-profile crimes on the Beltline this year, including armed robberies, stabbings, and a shooting. Officers say the e-bikes can travel up to 80 miles