By Glenn Epps
The Express-Times
EASTON, Pa. — Some Easton police officers can worry no more arriving to the scene of the crime winded and sweaty.
The city announced it’s added two electric bicycles, or e-bikes, to the department’s existing fleet to help officers get around the city’s hilly terrain.
“E-bikes will allow our officers to better navigate the city given its terrain. They would be able to respond to emergency calls more quickly while expending less energy,” Officer Robert Jones, Easton Police Department Bike Unit Coordinator said.
The bikes feature a rechargeable battery that powers an electric motor that provides riders assistance when pedaling hills, or additional speed on flat terrain.
The department has 31 certified bike officers in the 62-officer department currently, and all officers ride in at least a part-time capacity, the city said in a statement. The e-bikes will also be used to train new bike officers, the city said.
“On many occasions when teaching classes that have a large group it can be hard to move from the front of the class to the back and back up to the front but with an e-bike this would no longer be an issue,” Jones said.
And now the department is considering buying more e-bikes for the fleet.
The bicycles were purchased through grant support by the Air Products Foundation and the Greater Easton Development Partnership, the city said.
“We are honored to provide this support to the bike officers of Easton. The work they do in the City to keep our friends and neighbors safe is valued and appreciated.” Laurie Hackett, Air Products director of corporate relations, said.
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