This summer, Langley police officers have been taking to the downtown streets on a different set of wheels.
While performing an inventory check of the department’s equipment that was formerly stored with the city records in the library’s basement, Police Chief Tavier Wasser unearthed two bicycles that were presumably purchased by the former chief in 2021. Apart from the tires needing some air, they were in perfect shape.
So far, Wasser and Officer Austin Proffitt have recorded the most mileage on the bikes.
“They’re great for the business district of Langley,” Wasser said. “The rest of it, trying to get up some of these steep hills, is a little rough.”
So far, no arrests have been made by bike, and no high speed chases have occurred. However, a satchel on the back of the bike is equipped with traffic enforcement materials, should the need arise to write a parking ticket.
Wasser is hoping the bikes might be handy in providing traffic control during parades, which seem to be making a strong comeback in the Village by the Sea lately.
Though the police bicycles are manual power only, the department is considering the possibility of applying for a grant to purchase an electric bike someday.
“Which might incentivize us to ride them a little bit more, just because it’ll help with the hills,” Wasser said.
He has found that patrolling by bike invites the opportunity for more interaction, rather than riding in a car.
“If you’re in the car with your windows up, nobody tries to talk to you,” he said.
On a bike, alleyways and other tight spots in the city can also be accessed easily.
For Langley police, bicycles aren’t the only environmentally friendly mode of transportation. Last month, the chief announced the purchase of a 2023 Tesla Model Y.
During a city council meeting this week, Wasser shared that the electric vehicle has since been outfitted with an orca design, which he created.
“I’ve got nothing but compliments about it,” he said.
Photo by Kira Erickson/South Whidbey Record Langley Police Chief Tavier Wasser cycles down First Street in the Village by the Sea.
Photo by Kira Erickson/South Whidbey Record Patrolling by bicycle allows Police Chief Tavier Wasser the chance to interact with citizens more than within a car.
