The Merriam Police Department recently started a bicycle patrol unit. Four officers attended a weeklong police bike training class in Olathe and can now patrol the City on fully equipped police bikes.

Merriam Police Chief Michael Daniels said there are several advantages to having officers on bicycles. He said they are able to go into parts of the City that patrol vehicles can’t access, such as the Turkey Creek Streamway Trail. He also said they help break down physical and social barriers, which make officers more approachable to residents.

“Having officers on bicycles – whether in our parks, neighborhoods, or business districts – give them an opportunity to connect with our community, further strengthening relationships with our citizens and business owners,” Chief Daniels said.

You can check out Merriam’s new bikes at several upcoming City events including Funday Sunday Food Trucks on Sept. 16 and Merriam Drive Live on Oct. 6, both located at Merriam Marketplace.