Improved community relations, cost savings and environmental benefits are just some of the reasons Police Departments are putting their officers on bikes. Although the Romeoville Police Department has had a bike patrol unit since 2011, not many residents realize that such a unit exits.

The main responsibilities of the unit is to patrol special events like RomeoFest, concerts and parades, but they also patrol neighborhoods, parks and trails checking for the safety of residents and even park equipment. “We answer calls like regular patrol cars, we still write tickets and even apprehend criminals,” said Commander Rob Fetzer, who is in charge of overseeing the bike patrol unit.