Downtown Kansas City gets bicycle patrol

The newest unit of the Kansas City Missouri Police Department will roll into downtown for the first time tonight.

The Downtown Bike Patrol begins training on the streets of downtown at 5 p.m. today, with their official first night of duty Oct. 13 on the grand opening of the new Sprint Arena. Eight officers and a sergeant comprise the new patrol unit, which will operate year-round from 5 p.m. to 3 a.m.

"We created this unit in an effort to support the downtown resurgence," said Major Wayne Stewart of the Central Patrol Division.

Various patrol divisions throughout the city use bikes on occasion, but this is the first unit in more than a decade to travel exclusively on two, pedal-powered wheels. Capt. Donna Greenwell, commander of Central Patrol's evening shift, said department leaders began talking about a year and a half ago how police could best serve all of the people who will be flocking downtown to developments like the Sprint Arena and Power and Light District.
They decided bicycles beat out patrol on foot or in cars.

"When you're dealing with entertainment districts, mobility is key," Capt. Greenwell said.

The unit's hours also are designed to put them in contact with the most downtown-goers. The bars and clubs in the Power and Light District are scheduled to close at 3 a.m., so Bike Patrol officers will work until then. Most major concerts and other events will happen in the evening, as well.

The Downtown Bike Patrol will be assigned to the area within the downtown freeway loop and will supplement the day-time downtown foot beat officers.

Department leaders hope the extra evening patrol will help downtown visitors and residents alike feel safe in the heart of Kansas City.