Patrolman Efren Canas, Silver City Police Department Bike Team member.

Photo and Article by Roger Lanse

The Silver City Police Department has initiated bicycle patrols in the downtown area, according to Chief Ed Reynolds. Two officers, Patrolman Efren Canas and Cpl. Jason Woods, members of the force for about five years, applied for the new duty.

Three weeks ago, the pair took their "vehicles" to train with the Scottsdale, Ariz. Police Department's bike team and have been pedal patrolling in Silver City for about a week and a half, Canas said. Training included maintaining the bike, cycling history, mounting and dismounting in a high-risk situation, maneuvering, and use of a sidearm.

The department has four, black, 21-speed, mountain-type bicycles that were used in the 1990s for a time. These have been refurbished adding a headlamp and tail-lamp, new brakes, air pump and pressure gauge, new tires and tubes, a tool bag and a rear kickstand.

Available manpower and the situation at the time will determine the patrolling schedule, Reynolds stated. "But, the two officers making up our bike unit will probably patrol 2-3 times a week for 2-6 hours each. Usually, the two will be on duty individually, but could patrol as a team if the situation demands it and manpower is available."

Downtown will be the primary area for the bike team—Bullard and Hudson streets and the connecting side streets. Having the teams active for large events such as the Blues Festival and the Fourth of July Parade will be a priority. Expect to see the bike unit at the Lighted Christmas Parade, Reynolds said, as the officers are prepared to dress for the weather.

Law enforcement will be the primary function of the bike unit, Reynolds said, but public relations will also form a significant part of the officers' duties—talking to storeowners and people on the street.

"We get a lot of positive feedback," Canas said. "I love it. It's a different experience."

Two other officers will soon receive bicycle unit training in Las Cruces, according to Reynolds, and will bring the Silver City contingent to four.

"In a year, or so, we plan for Canas and Woods to become certified bike unit instructors,"
Reynolds said.

Canas told the Beat that before this he hadn't ridden a bike since he was a child. When asked if that old saying was true, he responded, "Yes, it's true, you never forget how to ride a bike."

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