Kerik Gets 50 New Mercedes for NYPD

[MTI]

The latest addition to the NYPD's Bike Patrol Unit is a police-duty version of the technologically innovative Mercedes-Benz All-Terrain Mountain Bike.
Working with the International Police Mountain Bike Association (IPMBA) in Baltimore, Md., Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA) has launched a mountain bike donation program to support law enforcement agencies that use bicycles on the job.

Keith May, vice president of sales (East) for MBUSA, recently presented 50 24-speed mountain bikes valued at $100,000 to Bernard B. Kerik, New York City police commissioner.

"The mountain bike has become the chosen mode of transportation by community policing officers,'' says May. "Through the various MBUSA regional offices throughout the country, we will be donating 1000 Mercedes-Benz mountain bikes to law enforcement agencies. We support community policing, which has proven to be one of the most effective methods of reducing crime in both urban and suburban environments.''

Community policing traces its roots to neighborhood police officers who walked a beat and knew, and were known by, local residents and merchants. In many areas, bike officers are far more versatile and effective than foot patrols. The expansion of bike patrols and community policing activities is designed to make streets safer, reduce crime, increase real estate values and business growth.

"In a city as popular and as busy as New York, bicycles have become an essential policing tool," says Kerik. "Whether fighting crime, responding to community needs or maintaining traffic control, New York City police officers have to be able to get there quickly and safely. Thanks to Mercedes-Benz and their generous contribution to the Police Foundation, we'll be able to do just that.''

There are approximately 1400 bike patrol units in operation within law enforcement agencies across the country, according to the IPMBA.

"Bike officers can travel faster and farther than foot officers and they are able to patrol areas unreachable by car. They also have a stealth advantage,'' says Maureen Becker, executive director of the IPMBA.

The Mercedes-Benz All-Terrain Mountain Bike features a super-lightweight Alcoa all-aluminum frame, hydraulic rear shock absorber, front and rear disc brakes and Shimano Nexave drivetrain. Police-duty models are fitted with a specific rear subframe that has a welded rack pack.

Mercedes-Benz bicycles are handmade by AMP Research in Laguna Hills, Calif. The bikes are available in a number of styles and price ranges (starting at $1795) from authorized Mercedes-Benz retailers. You can also purchase them by visiting www.mbusa.com or by calling 800-FOR-MERCEDES.