Edmonton Transit has a new way of keeping riders safe. For the past two weeks, 12 Transit Peace Officers have been patrolling transit centres, park and ride lots and along the LRT lines by bike as part of a pilot project.
The bike patrol unit is currently focussed on downtown Edmonton, especially in the area bordered by Jasper Avenue, 118 Avenue, 82 Street and 124 Street. Transit Peace Officers on bike can proactively address situations before they escalate; are more visible to the public; can assist with special events and crowd control; and are able to respond quickly to more remote areas, such as multi-use trails along the Capital LRT line.
Officers will respond to calls in other parts of the city if required. Up to two Transit Peace Officers are assigned to bike patrol per shift.
The bikes are a police Trek model with some upgraded components designed for both trail and city riding. Each Transit Peace Officer successfully completed specialty training through the Law Enforcement Bicycle Association.
The pilot project will run until the end of October (pending weather).
