The Winnipeg Police Service is expanding its visible presence across Winnipeg with the launch of its modernized bicycle patrol program, a proactive policing initiative that will see trained officers patrolling neighbourhoods, pathways, parks, public gathering spaces and special events throughout the city.
This summer, 25 officers from various units have completed specialized bicycle patrol training and will be deployed across all four police districts using a combination of mountain bikes and 16 newly acquired e-bikes.
While the bicycles represent a new tool for officers, the goal is simple: connect with the community, increase visibility and reach places traditional patrol vehicles cannot.
"Bicycle patrols allow officers to engage directly with residents, business owners and visitors while providing a highly visible presence in areas where cruiser cars are not always practical," said Sgt. Kelsey Mahoney, the Winnipeg Police Service's Bicycle Patrol Program Coordinator. "Whether it's a pathway along the river, a neighbourhood park, a community event or a busy downtown gathering space, officers on bicycles can access locations quickly and interact with people in a way that supports both community engagement and public safety."
Unlike the former seasonal Bike Unit, the revitalized program is integrated into existing operations. Officers assigned to Community Support Teams, Foot Patrol Units and other operational areas can deploy bicycles while continuing to perform their regular policing duties.
The program is expected to play an important role in high-traffic areas such as downtown Winnipeg, the Exchange District, river pathways and major community events where officers can move efficiently through crowds and access areas that may be difficult to reach by vehicle.
For Cst. Emily Meronyk, one of the officers participating in the program, the greatest value of bicycle patrol lies in its proactive nature.
"Being on a bicycle allows us to see things we might otherwise miss," she said. "I've come across people experiencing medical distress, crimes that were occurring at the time and situations where we were able to intervene before they escalated. We also hear from people who tell us they feel safer when they see officers out on bikes."
The training required to become a bicycle patrol officer is extensive. Members complete a four-day certification course that includes advanced riding techniques, obstacle navigation, emergency dismounts, crowd movement, officer safety tactics and operational scenarios designed to prepare them for real-world policing environments.
The addition of e-bikes further expands the program's capabilities by allowing officers to cover greater distances, respond more quickly and maintain a visible presence over larger patrol areas.
The program also complements the work of other specialized units. Bicycle officers regularly assist with calls along riverbanks and trail systems, support major events and work alongside units such as River Patrol when incidents occur in areas that are difficult for vehicles to access.
Inspector Jennifer McKinnon said the Bicycle Patrol Program supports the Service's broader commitment to community safety and visible policing.
"These e-bikes help put our officers where the community is. They allow us to patrol areas that aren't always accessible by cruiser while creating more opportunities for meaningful interactions with the people we serve,” said McKinnon.
“Policing is most effective when officers are visible and approachable. This program helps us strengthen those connections, proactively address concerns and enhance public safety while adapting to the evolving needs of our community."
As officers begin patrolling throughout Winnipeg this summer, members of the public can expect to see them on river pathways, in neighbourhoods, at community events and in busy public spaces across all four districts.
The Bicycle Patrol Program will operate annually between May and October.