The Sheboygan County Sheriff's Department Bicycle Patrol was established in the spring of 1997 with the generous donation of the use of a Schwinn mountain bike from Wolf's Cycle and Fitness in Sheboygan. Together, the county and Wolf's Cycle provided means to outfit two officers. Today the patrol has nine bike officers, a Schwinn Moab, and two Giant Outback bicycles. The officers primary responsibility is that of a squad patrol officer. Wen needed, or when conditions permit, they can deploy the bicycles in a very short time.An efficient Sportswork receiver hitch mounting rack is vital to the rapid deployment of the bicycles. This system positions the bicycles behind one of five squad cars, which are equipped with receiver hitches. The rack positions the bicycles low in the airstream, allowing full squad function, including access to the car's trunk. The unique attachment system allows the bicycle to be ready to ride in less that two minutes. Rapid loading and unloading is critical to operation in a rural area, and the great distances officers may need to travel when responding to calls for service.Our department provides contract patrol to four villages and two townships, all of which have welcomed the bicycle patrol capabilities. Bicycle patrol has allowed greater interaction between officers and citizens. The bicycle offers a great ability for the officer to provide better community relations and crime prevention. The bicycles gives an officer an element of stealth when patrolling targeted problem areas in a community.The bicycle patrol team's goals are that of education, promoting bicycle safety, while providing effective and efficient law enforcement services.
