The Millersville University Police Department (MUPD) recently received a $3,000 grant from the Lancaster Bike Club (LBC) to purchase two new patrol bicycles. Each bike costs approximately $1,500, and were purchased at the Lancaster Bike Shop.
Prior to receiving the grant, MUPD was only equipped with one outdated bicycle and uniform that were inadequate for patrol.

Officer Joshua Keller, who has been with MUPD since 2005, has already accumulated over 150 miles on one of the bikes purchased May 1st. In order to ride a police bicycle, officers must enroll in an International Police Mountain Bike Association course which teaches riders how to deal with riding through crowds, down steps and curbs, as well as how to use the bicycle as an offensive or defensive weapon.

According to Officer Keller “there are a few other officers who are interested in riding, however, they need to finish their training course first. Hopefully we will acquire more bicycles because sharing can become a hassle due to differences in bicycle settings.”

Bicycles that are specifically made for the police department are equipped with water bottles, a lighting system, an odometer, a bag, rear lighting and a bell. Since they are designed specifically for police use, the breaks and materials of the bicycle are heavier and they do not make sounds when drifting.

The MUPD has timed how long it takes for an emergency vehicle to drive from one side of campus to another, in comparison to a bicycle. An emergency vehicle takes three minutes to go across campus, whereas an officer on a bicycle can reach the other side in two minutes and 55 seconds. Since a bicycle is not confined to the road, an officer on a bicycle can respond in a shorter amount of time.

On Sunday, August 16th, the Lancaster Bicycle Club is holding their biggest fundraiser of the year, their annual covered bridge metric century which is a 100 km ride. The money raised through this and other fundraisers supports club activities, and the surplus is given away in grants. The LBC has donated $25,000 this year to various organizations through grants; over the past 10 years the LBC has donated $145,000 in grant money. The LBC supports bicycle training through the League of American Bicycles where they provide certified trainers.

Back