Pedalling to safer streets: Mumbai cops to patrol city on cycles

The Mumbai police has a new weapon to fight crime. The humble cycle, which we used as children, has been given a tough makeover and will now be used by the cops to keep our city’s beaches safe from chain snatchers and other criminals.

The project has been started on a trial basis during which 24 bicycles -- eight for beaches and 16 for streets -- will be used.

According to Mumbai police spokesperson and Deputy Commissioner of Police Dhananjay Kulkarni, the project will be rolled out in two phases.

In the first, the two-wheelers will patrol Marine drive, Gateway of India, Girgaum Chowpatty, Juhu Chowpatty, Bandra Bandstand, Worli Sea Face, Shivaji Park and Oshiwara gardens.

The beach bikes cost Rs 18,000 while the one which will be used on the streets costs Rs 8,000. The cycles have been made of aluminium to prevent rusting and the tyres are broader to prevent skidding in the sand.

Explaining the need of cycles, an official said that beaches in Mumbai are often frequented by foreign nationals.

“There are isolated places on the beach and due to the sand, policemen often have to walk, which makes chain snatching and molestation easier there. The bikes will act as a good deterrent.”

Photographs: Sahil Salvi