Crime busters take to cycle patrolling in Shimla

Bhanu P Lohumi

Tribune News Service

Shimla, September 10

With a view to reducing the response time in reaching the crime scene after complaint, Shimla police have taken a new initiative to start cycle patrolling in the central areas of the town where movement of automobile vehicles is forbidden.

“The petrol police have to trek considerable distance to reach the crime spot in these locations but it can be reduced considerably by cycling”, says Shimla SP D W Negi. “Cycling is environmental friendly and can penetrate into areas where vehicles cannot go and as such it would help the patrolling parties to work efficiently and effectively”, he added. To begin with five ( top gear) cycles costing Rs 1.5 lakhs have been purchased out of which three would run on the Cart Road for ensuring smooth running of traffic while two cycles would circle the Mall road and lower Bazaar areas, he informed.

The cycle would reduce the response time of police after the complaint is received at police control room as walking in the hilly terrain is time consuming. The initiative would also help in putting a tab on eve teasers, besides lending a helping hand to the tourists, he added.

“Cycles have been purchased and we are buying helmets for the safety of policemen riding the bicycle. The trial is already underway and the pilot project, which would be launched in other areas if successful, would be launched in the next two days,” he said.

The Shimla Municipal Corporation (SMC) has already taken an initiative to popularize cycling to reduce traffic congestion and pollution in the town and is in the process of identifying locations for setting up cycle stands. As present about 400-500 people are using cycle for commuting in Shimla.