Ridgecrest council accepts San Joaquin Valley air-district grant to buy 10 police electric bicycles

Ridgecrest — The City Council voted to accept a $99,999 grant from the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District to acquire 10 electric bicycles for police use, plus five years of maintenance and training for officers.

Police staff told the council the package covers the bicycles, a five-year service contract and officer training at no upfront cost to the city. The chief described the bicycles as purpose-built for police work and said they expand patrol options in hilly and pedestrian areas: “When you add the additional help of an electric motor, it gives us the ability to patrol all of the communities on a bicycle rather than just the ones in the flat area,” the chief said. The department said the bikes are ruggedized with wide tires and a durable frame designed for law-enforcement use.

Councilmembers supported the grant as a supplemental tool rather than a replacement for patrol vehicles. Councilmember Hammond asked about tires and off-road capability; the chief said the bikes have very wide tires (about 3.5–4 inches) and the department has secured training that will occur locally to ensure officers learn to ride the bikes on Ridgecrest terrain.

No city match or expenditure was required: staff said the grant covers equipment, training and a five-year warranty/service contract. Following discussion, Councilmember Blades moved and the council approved the resolution unanimously among those present: “4 ayes. Motion carries,” the clerk recorded. The bikes are expected to be used for neighborhood patrols, community events and areas where a car would be less effective.