Va. City Turns to Bikes to Save Money

SelectPlusVa. City Turns to Bikes to Save MoneyVa. City Turns to Bikes to Save MoneyThe Associated PressOne Virginia city turns to more bicycle officers to save money and fuel. (May 28)[Notes:ANCHOR VOICE] We've all seen the numbers. Gas prices nearing, if not exceeding four dollars a gallon. The record prices are affecting everyone's wallets, including local governments -- which have to pay for police patrol cars to cruise around. So, some cities are turning to more bike cops - in an effort to save money. In Bedford, Virginia, officers are bicycles are starting to become the norm. And the city is saving about a thousand dollars a month.SOT: The main goal was just to have better communications, better contact with the community. While fuel-saving wasn't the original intention, the Bedford police department has cut its consumption by about 400 gallons of gas a month. And with more officers riding instead of driving -- fitness levels have increased.SOT: We've had one officer that's lost in excess of 60 pounds since we started the program. Officers say they can perform the same duties on their bike as they would in a squad car. Some actually say it makes their job easier.SOT: Police officers, when they are on bikes, they can hear things, they can see things, they can smell things that they could not in a car SOT: While I was in the car, they most of the time won't stop you and talk to you because you are closed up in the box, but now it's easier accessibility to me. Bedford has 26 officers in its ranks -- eight of whom are certified for the bikes. All were trained by the International Police Mountain Biking Association. ___ ___, The Associated Press.(****END****) ANCHOR VOICE:-------------------------VIDEO PRODUCER: Kevin White------------------------------VIDEO SOURCE: WSET--------------------------VIDEO APPROVAL: yes------------------------------VIDEO RESTRICTIONS: Courtesy-------------------------------- --SCRIPT/WIRE SOURCE:--------------------------------- ---