Bike Patrol

The Cromwell Police Department Bike Patrol's newest member ...

Officer Robert Haughton!

The Cromwell Police Department, in it's continuing effort to meet the needs of the town, established a Police Bicycle Division in 1997. The bicycle officers allow for closer contact with the community while maintaining a highly mobile, visible, and effective patrol presence. The Police Bicycle Division is currently comprised of 3 officers who have all received specialized training in bicycle safety and handling skills such as obstacle riding, crowd and traffic maneuvering and emergency turns, stops and dismounts. Their Trek, 24 speed mountain bike is equipped with front and rear lights for night time use and a carry bag for medical supplies, police reports, and other necessary equipment for their police function. The bicycle division is used to supplement conventional patrol units throughout the town and to provide greater access to the town parks, shopping plazas, school grounds, and condominium complexes.

The bicycle patrol is also used at special functions such as the Greater Hartford Open Golf Tournament and Cromwell Riverport Festival. In addition to their patrol functions, the police bicycle officers also work with the schools and civic organizations to promote safe and enjoyable bicycle use.

Bicycle Safety Tips:

	Cyclist must follow the same rules as a motor vehicle
	Obey all traffic signs; stop signs, yield, do not enter, traffic lights
	Ride in the same direction as traffic
	Stop and Yield to approaching traffic at intersection and
	Before entering a roadway from a driveway or side road
	Use hand signals to warn motorists of your intended movement
	Watch for opening car doors or vehicles entering from side roads or driveways.
	When riding in a group always ride in a single line
	Maintain your bike and equipment in good working order
	Helmets are required by law for those 15 years old or younger and strongly recommended for riders of all ages