The Edison Police Department has launched a new bike patrol unit.
EDISON -- The township's police department has launched a new bike patrol unit, seeing it as a way to increase public safety by being more visible and maneuverable on the streets.
Police Chief Thomas Bryan said in a statement recently that the bike patrol units will be "able to go places that patrol cars cannot reach," adding that they will be used primarily to "monitor parades and special events where there are large gatherings."
The units will also serve to boost the police department's community policing initiative, "offering people more opportunities to strike up conversations with officers at our parks or outside the mall," Bryan said.
The Edison Police Department has launched a new bike patrol unit to increase public safety by being more visible and maneuverable on the streets. Assigned to the bike patrols are officers Jennifer Aldahondo, Lisa Cimmino, Christopher Gadomski and Neel Patel.
Training and special equipment, including Trek Police Edition Patrol bikes, were mostly funded through criminal forfeiture funds, the statement said.
Mayor Thomas Lankey said in the statement that his township joins a growing number of New Jersey communities by displaying a painted blue stripe on roads that lead to the township Municipal Complex and police headquarters.
He said the new blue line is "a visible symbol of our appreciation and support for our Police Department's men and women, who serve Edison with honor and dignity. We value their dedication, professionalism and service."
The painted lines run along Hoey Drive between Talmadge Road and the Municipal Complex, and along POW-MIA Boulevard, leading to police department headquarters past Lake Papaianni Park and the municipal skateboard park, the statement said.
"It's a modest, but very meaningful gesture to our police officers," said PBA Local 75 President Micheal Schwarz in the statement. "That thin blue line has given them a greater sense of pride, knowing our township recognizes, supports and appreciates their efforts."
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