The Dennis Police Department "Bicycle Patrol Unit" was formed in 1994.  The first bike patrol unit was formed consisting of 3 patrolmen who rode on a full-time basis during the summer season.  In  1995 and 1996 the bike patrol was expanded and officers on bikes regularly patrolled neighborhoods, apartment complexes, senior housing, business and recreation areas, with enthusiastic support from the residents of the community.  The summer season also expanded to include much of the fall and spring months.  Today the bike patrol consists of 10 officers who patrol on a seasonal basis.

     All officers assigned to the police "Bike Patrol Unit" must successfully complete a rigorous 3 day mountain bike rider course.  This course is approved by the Municipal Police Training Committee and is taught through C.O.B.W.E.B. (Cops on Bikes with Education for Bicyclists). 

     The course includes both classroom and field training and upon completion the officer will have developed a heightened awareness of the importance of fitness, nutrition, injury prevention and physical well-being.  The officer will also have a comprehensive understanding of standard bicycle patrol operating procedures, crime prevention techniques, tactical maneuvers and communication.

     The bicycle used by the Dennis Police Department is the Fuji Patrol Mountain Bike which is specially designed for police departments. A fully equipped police mountain bicycle costs approximately $1,100.

     For more information on the Dennis Police Bike Patrol Unit contact either Sgt. Jay Emerson or Sgt. Mark Conant.

                                        

For information on "How to Fit a Bicycle Helmet" click to visit the Bicycle Helmet Safety Institute Page

SAFETY TIPS

        Use your head. Wear a helmet.

• Bicycle helmets reduce your risk of serious head and brain injury by nearly 90%.
• 97% of people killed in bicycle crashes with motor vehicles nationwide were not wearing a helmet.
• Each year, 40,000 children in the U.S. are treated in emergency rooms for head injuries sustained while bicycling.

         Choosing a helmet:

     Everyone's head is shaped differently, so let a bike shop properly fit you with a helmet that is comfortable for you. Kids are more likely to wear helmets that they pick out. Parents can set a good example by wearing their helmets every time they ride. Make sure your helmet is certified by ASTM. Helmets are designed to take only one impact, so replace your helmet if you've had a crash, or every five years. 

     The front of the helmet should sit one "finger's width" above your eyebrows. Adjust the chin strap so it fits firmly and comfortably, then use the foam pads to customize the fit. Push on the helmet with your hand. If it shifts around, it doesn't fit correctly - you may need to select a different model.

        

Click Here for more information on Pedestrian / Bicycle / Skate Safety

The Dennis Police & Fire Departments have been awarded 25 bicycle helmets each as part of the 2004 statewide bicycle safety program of the Governor's Highway Safety Bureau (GHSB), a program of the Executive Office of Public Safety. The program provided 7,200 helmets to 152 communities and organizations for local distribution this spring and summer.      "We at the Dennis Police Department are pleased to receive these helmets to enhance our bicycle safety efforts within our community.  These helmets are for distribution at no cost to those in need of this life saving equipment."  Those needing a helmet can contact Sergeant Jay Emerson by calling 508-394-1315 or stopping by the police station at 685 Route 134 (corner Bob Crowell Rd.) in South Dennis.  A bicycle safety pledge card and bicycle safety card will accompany each helmet.      Massachusetts law requires children 12 years of age or younger who operate a bicycle, or who ride as a passenger on a bicycle, on a public way or bike path to wear a properly fitted and fastened helmet.  A bicycle helmet can reduce the risk of serious head and brain injury by as much as 90%.  Unfortunately, 97% of people killed in bicycle crashes with motor vehicles were not wearing a helmet.       There were six bicycle-related fatalities and 84 incapacitating injuries in Massachusetts in 2002. Also in 2002, bicycle incapacitating injuries were highest in the months of July and September. The days of the week with the highest number of bicycle incapacitating injuries were Saturday and Sunday. The 10 to 14 year old age group experienced the highest number of incapacitating injuries. Nearly four times as many males as female bicyclists suffered incapacitating injuries. Half of the bicycle incapacitating injuries occurred between 3:00 PM and 8:59 PM.