Tredyffrin Police Officer Neil Jackson and Officer Rhonda Carroll with one of the electric patrol bikes.
TREDYFFRIN — The Chester Valley Trail now has added security for its users. Just last week, the township’s Police Department reinstated its Bike Patrol on the Chester Valley Trail after an 8-year hiatus.
Officer Rhonda Carroll, the Department’s new Director of Community Policing & Crime Prevention, was the woman behind the Bike Patrol.
“We haven’t had many incidents on the trails in Tredyffrin, but we wanted to take a proactive approach in protecting our residents and the users of the trail.” stated Carroll, “Our trails are a source of relaxation and entertainment; making people feel safe is just another step towards promoting the trail network.”
The township is responsible for almost half of the Chester Valley Trail. Police Officers will be riding more than seven miles to patrol the trail, which presents a challenge; although nothing which we cannot overcome, according to Officer Carroll.
“If someone ever needed an Officer’s assistance on the trail, they need to have enough energy to handle any situation they might encounter. Riding over seven miles would greatly dwindle an individual’s energy level.” said Carroll.
She decided to reach out to local electric bike shop owner, Gary DiVincenzo, owner of Hybrid Cycles in West Chester to help solve this dilemma.
“Pedal Assist Electric Power Bicycles were created for situations just like this.” says DiVincenzo, “They increase the speed and endurance of a rider. When officers are traveling over these long distances on the trail, Electric Power Bicycles are the best solution.”
The Department purchased two Pedal Assist Electric Power Bicycles from Hybrid Cycles for their five officer Bike Patrol. If the group is successful, Carroll will look into buying more to accommodate the whole force.
For more information on the Tredyffrin Township Bike Patrol, contact Rhonda Carroll at rcarroll@tredyffrin.org.
