The Bicycle Patrol Unit consists of two mountain bikes:  a 2008 Fuji Police Special and a 1993 Raleigh FT500.  The Fuji Police Special, purchased in April 2010, was generously donated to the police department by Johanna Foods, Incorporated.

The Bicycle Patrol Unit operates on a part-time basis when weather and manpower levels permit.  Bicycle patrols generally occur during daylight hours in the spring, summer, and fall.  The bicycles are equipped with a first aid kit.

Patrolling on a bicycle allows an officer to access areas of the township that are not readily accessible in a traditional patrol vehicle; park trails, common areas of planned developments, townhouse and condominium developments, community pools, and shopping center walkways are excellent examples.

More importantly, the bicycle patrols facilitate a more intimate, face-to-face contact with the public.  An officer on bicycle patrol is encouraged to “stop and talk” during his or her shift to learn about the public’s concerns and how to better tailor the services we provide.

While on bicycle patrol, an officer can give children who are found wearing their bicycle helmets “tickets” that can be redeemed at Rita’s Italian Ices in Flemington, NJ for a free medium Italian ice.  The positive ticketing program is a joint effort funded by Rita’s Italian Ices and the Raritan Township Police Benevolent Association Local #337, the police union that represents all officers in the Raritan Township Police Department.

The Bicycle Patrol Unit is supervised by Lieutenant Nicklas Buck, who can be reached at 908-782-8889, Extension 3321.