VENICE (FOX 13) -
There's a new crime-fighting tool on the streets of Venice.
Six police officers are now patrolling the
city by bike. They'll be in areas that are easier to get around on bikes, like
Legacy Trail and Venetian
Waterway Park.
They'll also patrol the downtown shopping district, the
beach, parks and some gated communities.
Officer Dan Schuler said he thinks the bikes will make the
officers more visible and approachable.
"We also have the element of stealth," he said. "Say at
night, you're not going to hear a bicycle. We'll be able to see and hear things
that we can't usually in a police vehicle.
Officers say the bike patrols aren't as easy as they seem.
Not only will it be hot in the Florida
sun, but the officers will have to wear bullet-proof vests while on duty.
But they say it's well worth it to make a positive impact on
the community.
