Electric cycles piloted by force

Gloucestershire Constabulary is trialling electric cycles with its neighbourhood policing teams in Stroud and Dursley.

The force says their use will raise the profile of neighbourhood officers and maximise engagement opportunities across the districts. PCs and police community support officers (PCSOs) will be able to travel quickly and economically around the local area without the necessity of using a police vehicle.

Electric cycles are already a well-established technology and the introduction of lithium batteries has made them more suitable for use in large and hilly geographical areas.

The bikes have been funded by Gloucestershire police and crime commissioner Martin Surl who said: “The bikes can travel 40 miles before a re-charge is required so they are an efficient and eco-friendly way to patrol a large geographical area, ensuring that police staff remain a visible and reassuring presence in our communities.”

The bikes, an A2B Hybrid 24 model, have been agreed as part of a pilot scheme to assess their value to the constabulary and were purchased from local specialists eCycle UK.