The Allentown Police Department is sporting three brand new bicycles courtesy of International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local No. 375.

Local 375 Business Manager Paul Anthony Jr. made the presentation to the police department in City Council Chambers this morning on behalf of the union membership. Mayor Ed Pawlowski, City Councilmembers Daryl Hendricks, Cynthia Mota and Jeff Glazier, Assistant Police Chief Keith Morris and bike officers Scott Magill and Leonard Fritzinger were on hand to accept the Trek model bicycles.

“Please accept the gift, the support and the partnership from our members,” said Anthony. “They voted overwhelmingly to make the donation of the bikes from their member dues.”

Pawlowski said, “The IBEW has been a great community partner. The city gratefully accepts the donation to help the department increase public safety.”

Each completely outfitted police bike is worth approximately $1500.

The city has approximately 40 officers who are certified by the International Police Mountain Bike Association. Morris said 17 bicycles have been donated to the city over the last 12 months. According to Morris, the bikes allow officers to get into places that patrol cars can’t and they make officers more accessible to the people in the community.

Magill says the bikes “are designed to take a beating. The tires are made for an urban environment and the disc brakes are designed for all weather.”

The bikes will be put into service immediately. 

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