West Midlands Police officers will now be able to patrol 'further and faster' thanks to a £60,000 investment in a fleet of 32 electric bikes. The new e-bikes, which have a top speed of 15.5mph, were rolled out across the region after a successful trial in Birmingham demonstrated that they allow officers to cover more ground than on foot while being more accessible and visible than patrol cars.
Launch in Dudley
Police and Crime Commissioner Simon Foster unveiled the new fleet in Dudley town centre on Friday, May 22. The investment delivers on a key pledge in his police and crime plan 2025-2029 to increase the number of officers on bicycles and on foot.
Mr Foster said: 'I am committed to rebuilding community policing, because I know that an accessible, reassuring and visible police presence is exactly what our communities want and need. These new e-bikes are a smart, effective investment that will ensure our officers are more accessible and visible, and better equipped to prevent and tackle crime. By getting officers out of cars and onto our streets, we are building the trust and confidence that is essential to keeping people, families, businesses and communities safe and secure.'
Operational Benefits
Chief Inspector Adam Henderson, neighbourhood policing lead for Dudley, added: 'These e-bikes are a fantastic addition to our operational toolkit. They allow our officers to patrol larger areas more frequently while maintaining that vital face-to-face connection with the public. Operationally, they give us the agility to respond quickly to neighbourhood issues and reach areas that patrol cars simply can't. This isn't just about new kit; it's about being in the right place at the right time to keep the people of Dudley and the wider West Midlands safe.'
