Mayor to propose motorcycle patrols
By Michelle Payne
Rocky River
Published August 17, 2005

Some Rocky River police may soon be buzzing around town on Harleys instead of patrol cars if Mayor William Knoble gets city council's approval for a new motorcycle patrol program.

On Sept. 6, during city council's first meeting since its August recess, Knoble will introduce the new patrol program, which was initiated by Rocky River Police Chief Donald Wagner.

"The proposal came to me through the police chief," Knoble said. "Several officers in the department ride cycles on their own, including our only female officer. Some felt after conversations with officers from other cities that it would be a benefit to local traffic enforcement because there are things you can do with a cycle rather than a patrol car. They seem to generate more awareness on the street than the patrol car. I evaluated the pluses and minuses and consulted with other Westshore mayors, and they thought it was a good idea."

While Knoble technically doesn't need council's approval to move forward with the program, provided that he is within the city's budget for safety forces, he would like council's support in the matter.

"I probably wouldn't do it without their approval," Knoble said. "It's just as a formality."

The cost of outfitting the officers and bikes is estimated at about $20,000, which would include purchasing uniforms for two or three officers and sending them to a two-week training program. Knoble plans on using funds from the police department's POPAS (police on patrol arresting speeders) program to start the new venture.

"We use fine money to pay expenses of law enforcement, and there are funds in there that will cover the cost of it. It's not as if we have to ask for additional appropriations," he said.

The city plans on leasing the bikes from Harley Davidson at a cost of about $150 per month per bike instead of purchasing the cycles, which would cost about $15,000 per bike, according to Knoble. But each bike will still need to be insured and fitted with police sirens and lights.

Lakewood, Fairview and North Olmsted have already implemented motorcycle programs successful in increasing traffic control. Wagner is hoping the city will have similar results.

"The number one complaint that I get is about traffic violations. It's very common for people to complain about speeders on streets, especially the side streets where the speed limit is 25 mph. This will give us one more tool since motorcycles are primarily used for traffic control," he said. "They can move in and out of traffic quickly and people don't see motorcycles as easily as squad cars and they can still answer regular calls."

If council approves the program, it would take until spring 2006 for the program to be completely set-up.

"We won't kick off till next spring because we need training school for officers involved," Knoble said. "We also need to acquire the motorcycles which takes about three months."

While Knoble has yet to formally present the idea to council, he has mentioned it to some members, including Ward 3 Councilman Frank Gollinger.

"It's nothing new," Gollinger said. "Most of the suburbs do have motorcycle detail, and certainly if the chief feels it will help enforcement in the community, but I need to hear more information on the potential cost and manpower needed. I am looking forward to finding out more about it. It appears to be sound thinking on the part of the administration."