Bobbies are told 'on yer bike!' (From Penarth Times)

Bobbies are told 'on yer bike!'

BOBBIES on the beat will soon be Bobbies on their bikes!

Community police officers from the Vale of Glamorgan will soon be out and about patrolling the streets on bikes, thanks to training from the council.

Eight officers have been issued with new mountain bikes, which are more versatile than cars but faster than travelling on foot, so they can now access parts of their community that patrol cars can't reach.

The officers are fully trained in riding the bikes after a day's course with staff from the council's Road Safety Unit, who taught them everything from looking after their bike to riding on a variety of types of ground.

Vale of Glamorgan Council's Cabinet Member for Planning and Transportation, Cllr A J Williams, watch the officers riding on sand at Cosmeston Lakes as part of the day's training.

Cllr Williams said: "This one-day course has been an excellent opportunity for the council to encourage South Wales Police in this new cycling initiative.

"It is designed to make community policing more effective, to make community officers more recognisable when they are patrolling the streets, and to give the public an excellent example of how to cycle".

Chief Inspector Steve Siddall added: "The use of these mountain bikes will allow South Wales Police to increase the level of service we provide to the communities of the Vale of Glamorgan.

"Increasing police visibility and contact with communities is crucial to reducing crime in the Vale."