The streets of Aberdeen are silently safer this week, after a recent donation from the Downtown Aberdeen Association of two RadRover model 5 electric bikes. Executive Director Wil Russoul said the money the association raised for the bikes came from local businesses, not from the city or taxes.

“These bikes will be utilized by our trained Bike Patrol officers.” said police Commander Dale Green Tuesday afternoon. He noted that Aberdeen officers log hundreds of hours and miles every year while patrolling the city. The bike officers primarily cover the downtown area, proactively working with downtown businesses and responding to calls for assistance. They are also deployed for special events such as SPLASH, Founder’s Day, and Winterfest.

On March 2, APD bike patrol officers George Kelley, Kyle Hoffman, and Dillon Mitchell met with members of the Downtown Aberdeen Association to say thank you.

Officer Kelley said he had already logged 69 miles on his bike in the first two days, displaying the handlebar-mounted odometer. He said the electric-assisted bike helps when he needs to move uphill, fast, quietly, or all of those things while he pedals through the streets of Aberdeen.

The bikes are made by Rad Power Bikes in Seattle, and aside from some custom logos on the side of the battery compartments, they are very similar to the RadRover Electric Fat Bike Version 5 listed on their website, radpowerbikes.com. They are rechargeable and come equipped with safety lights and sirens. Green said the new bikes will allow officers to quickly cover more ground by using electric power in addition to standard peddling.

Dave Haviland photo Officer George Kelley said he logged 69 miles on his e-bike in the first two days.