Devon and Cornwall Police Boost Community Engagement with New e-Bike Project

Electric Bikes Rolled Out Across the Force After Successful Cornwall Pilot

Devon and Cornwall Police have expanded their use of electric bikes, following a successful pilot programme in Cornwall. The e-Bike project, which initially began with the support of Cornwall Council and the Council’s Anti-Social Behaviour officers, is now being rolled out across the region. The Force has introduced 39 e-Bikes in areas including Camborne, Plymouth, Penzance, Exeter, Bodmin, Cullompton, Falmouth, Truro, Launceston, Hayle, and Helston.

Enhancing Community Engagement

Superintendent Ian Thompson highlighted the benefits of the new e-Bikes, which have significantly increased the visibility and accessibility of neighbourhood teams within their communities. By utilising these bikes, officers can reach areas that often lack a regular police presence, while simultaneously reducing the Force’s reliance on vehicles and contributing to a lower carbon footprint.

Ian Thompson remarked on the positive feedback received from officers who have been using the e-Bikes. These officers appreciate the advantages of quieter and quicker patrols, as well as the physical and mental health benefits associated with being more active and spending time outdoors.

Expanding the Programme

The project is still growing, with plans to introduce more e-Bikes to additional locations across Devon and Cornwall. Currently, 89 neighbourhood officers and PCSOs have undergone training to use the e-Bikes, with further training opportunities set to be available in the coming months.

One officer, in just a single day, covered an impressive 71 kilometres using an e-Bike, receiving encouraging feedback from the community along the way. As the Force works to purchase more e-Bikes, the goal is for every Neighbourhood Team in Devon and Cornwall to have access to them for their daily duties.

Devon and Cornwall Police’s e-Bike project represents a significant step forward in both community engagement and environmental responsibility. As the scheme continues to expand, the Force looks forward to seeing further positive outcomes across the region.