Utilizing bicycles to patrol communities is nothing new to policing. Police officers used this tool in the early 20th century. Ironically, the bicycles officers were operating then were their personal property. Late in the century, bicycles were used increasingly in areas limited by traffic congestion and for large numbers of people in one location.

The bicycles police agencies use today are specifically made for the work they accomplish. Officers in Longmont utilize these bikes to save on fuel, enhance and personalize community policing efforts, and detect crime that officers cannot from patrol cars.  These bikes are nearly silent in their operation and make it easy for officers to catch fleeing suspects due to their speed advantage and the ability to dismount quickly.  These bikes are equipped with front and rear emergency lighting systems and rear rack and bags to hold equipment.

Due to the extreme weather Colorado can provide, the bikes are used on a limited basis in the Spring and primarily in the Summer and Fall. They are utilized on city streets, at special events, and in city parks.

The department has ten bikes for officer use and currently has 20 commissioned patrol officers authorized to serve in this capacity.