KC area police opt for bicycle patrols

There are several benefits to patroling by bike, said Ofcr. Brandon Harpold.

Harpold, and his partner, Ofcr. Danelle Williams, try to use their bikes to patrol as often as they can. He said their patrol area extends from 63rd Street to Bannister Road, from State Line Road to Missouri 71.

Harpold, who bikes from his house near 101st Terreace and Wornall to Metro Patrol most work days, said patroling by bike can be very effective.

“You can see a patrol car 15 blocks away,” he said. “But, on a bike, I can be putting on handcuffs before they know what’s going on.”

Also, Harpold thinks people view police officers differently when they are patroling on bikes.

“I think police are more approachable on a bike,” Harpold said. “People seem to talk to us more.”

And, he said there is another benefit: Bikes don’t require gasoline.