New trails in the Alle-Kiski Valley mean new areas for police to patrol.
The Southern Armstrong Regional Police Department added two electric bikes to its vehicle fleet in mid-April, weeks after the opening of a 10-mile trail section that runs through Ford City and Gilpin.
The department purchased them from The Bike Lab, based in Plum, for $1,900 each.
Police Chief Chris Fabec said the bikes will be used for Armstrong Trails and parts of the Butler-Freeport Community Trail, as well as events such as parades and carnivals.
Four officers are undergoing “inexpensive” training, according to Fabec. Southern Armstrong has a $5,000 annual training budget.
Trail users can expect to see patrols by mid-May. Squad cars will provide assistance in the event of an arrest, Fabec said.
Southern Armstrong also has an ATV for incidents on rough terrain, such as a hunting injury or missing-person search.
