Many cyclists who took advantage of the summer Sunday in April for a “ride” in the north of the district were astonished: the police were also there on their bikes – more precisely, on e-bikes. The Holzkirchen inspection pedal patrol went on tour for the first time.
Holzkirchen
– For now, the e-bikes are only rented. The colleagues from the Munich bicycle squad made four of their Pedelecs available to the Holzkirchen police in order to be able to test how such a “pedal patrol” can be used and how it arrives in the north of the Miesbach district. Ulrich Meier, bicycle expert for the Holzkirchen officials, and three colleagues got into the saddles on Sunday (April 14th) and pedaled around 80 kilometers through the service area.
The action had been planned for a long time. “We would have ridden in any weather,” says Meier, “but the sunny weather ensured that there were a lot of cyclists out and about.” Because the cyclists were the main focus. Do you follow the traffic rules? Are your bikes roadworthy? Maybe you drank too much alcohol? “We only found a few violations,” reports Meier.
The initial focus was on Münchner Straße in Holzkirchen. “There, cyclists often ride illegally on sidewalks or quickly avoid red lights,” says Meier. On Sunday, verbal warnings were enough. If, for example, a “sinful” racing cyclist wanted to evade access, the bike patrol could fully switch on the electric motor, turn on a blue light indicator built into the front and be there quickly. To set an example, the Radl police officers wear helmets instead of hats.
The patrol tour led from Holzkirchen to Otterfing and back, then to Darching, Weyarn, Gotzing, to Taubenberg and via Warngau back to the inspection. “Many cyclists were curious and thought it was good that the police were also on the bike and showing their presence,” reports Meier. During the conversation, the officials pointed out that every cyclist, not the bike dealer, is responsible for ensuring that the bikes are equipped with functioning brakes, reflectors and bells. “This also applies to sporty mountain bikes and racing bikes.” emphasizes Meier. It is not uncommon to see modified e-bikes on the road that provide more support than permitted. “We always keep an eye on it,” emphasizes the official.
However, the patrol trip on Sunday was without any major complaints. According to Meier's observation, it has been shown that many citizens and especially cyclists are grateful to be able to talk to police officers “at eye level”. “Many people sought the conversation on their own initiative.” If possible, they would like to rent the patrol bikes again soon. Meier then plans patrols on school routes or at dusk in order to specifically check the issue of light.
In the foreseeable future, e-bikes will be part of the department's permanent inventory. “We have applied for this and hope that the contract will be awarded soon,” reports deputy head of inspection Robert Hirschel. Meier emphasizes that the company bikes make it possible to carry all “emergency resources”. And if necessary, the e-bike patrol can also take robust action. The weapon and radio are carried on the body. Breathalyzer tests and warning pads are stored in the luggage rack case. “We even have card reading devices with us if a fine is due,” says Meier.
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