Tillsonburg rolls out bike patrol program for by-law enforcement

Have you seen someone new cycling through your neighbourhood? It could be a member of Tillsonburg’s new bike patrol.

The bike patrol program, which rolled out in May, equips Town of Tillsonburg by-law enforcement officers with iGO pedal-assisted e-bikes to facilitate more easier monitoring of parks and trails.

“Citizens want to feel safe using our recreational areas and amenities, and this program helps to address those concerns through enhanced officer visibility and regular patrols,” says Mayor Deb Gilvesy.

“We’re putting eyes and ears in spaces where it’s been difficult for cars to go,” says Geno Vanhaelewyn, chief building official. “When officers are on bikes, it provides more opportunity for the public to connect with staff, ask questions and voice any concerns they may have.”

While on patrol, by-law enforcement officers engage with the public on a variety of issues, ranging from animal control and responsible pet ownership, to parking and vandalism.

“The program is as much about public education as much as it is enforcement,” adds Mark Russell, the Town’s bylaw enforcement supervisor. “We want to help people understand what the municipality requires of them, and often the best way to do that is through face-to-face dialogue.”

All officers in Tillsonburg’s bike patrol unit complete a CANBIKE level 4 training course, and wear high visibility clothing for safety. Each bicycle is equipped with a bell, lights and reflectors, and riders use hand and arm signals in accordance Ontario law.

“As community ambassadors, we want to set a positive example for helmet use and bicycle safety, and create positive interactions with the public,” says Russell.