The Philippine National Police (PNP) will revive its bicycle patrol units in an apparent bid to support proposals of using bicycles as an alternative mode of transportation under the new normal when threats of coronavirus infection remains.
PNP chief Gen. Archie Gamboa said the deployment of bicycle-riding policemen is one of the police ways of adapting to the new normal.
“To support the mobility requirements of PNP units in the communities, I have instructed the fielding of bike patrol units for police visibility and quick response to call for assistance,” said Gamboa.
The deployment of bicycle-riding policemen have been done repeatedly in the past as a way of physical fitness and also amid the series of oil price increase in the past as well as the monstrous traffic jams in Metro Manila.
But the project would always find a natural death since policemen were reportedly complaining before that the use of bicycles are not ideal during heavy rains and under the sweltering heat during dry season.
The use of bicycles were also rendered impractical in the past since most of the criminals are using motorcycles as getaway vehicles.
The use of bicycles, however, is now being pushed by government officials and other non—government organizations due to the high threat of coronavirus infection when using public transportation.
Government officials are now also thinking of funding infrastructure to promote the use of bicycles, such as the recent plan for the Epifanio delos Santos Avenue.
“The PNP is taking appropriate steps to adapt to the changing landscape and operating environment under the new normal,” said Gamboa. (Aaron Recuenco)
