Police
bike patrols began in Boston around 1892 as a means to patrol city
parks. The City of Fort Worth adopted its first bike patrol in 1914
with 15 officers to patrol the downtown streets. The bikes were
later replaced by foot patrol and the widespread use of the automobile.
The
Bike Unit was re-established in 1989 as a tactical response to apartment
crimes in the Woodhaven area. The mobility of the bike and close
contact officers had with citizens added great value to our Community
Policing efforts. In 1991, the Fort Worth Police Department recognized
the need to increase the police presence and mobility in the Central
Business District. The Foot Patrol Unit evolved into the city’s
current Downtown Bike Patrol Unit.
 Today,
the unit consists of 18 full-time bike officers working on three
shifts. These highly trained and motivated officers respond to calls
for service, enforce traffic violations and conduct surveillance
to deter criminal activity. Each officer is issued a specially fitted
bicycle, wears a distinctive bike uniform, and receives 40 hours
of training on the tactical uses of bikes in police work. The versatility
of the bicycle allows officers to easily navigate the congested
streets within the business district. Bike Officers interact with
citizens to provide a sense of security, a source of information,
and a visible presence.
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