The City of    Sparta   retains the title of  “Bicycling Capital of America  ”   and it’s only fitting that the police department utilize bicycles as part of its overall policing strategy.     The Bicycle Patrol Unit was revitalized in the spring of 2009 with two new Fuji  bicycles and a distinctive uniform.    

Officers volunteer to be part of the Unit and perform most of the same functions as their motorized counterparts.     Patrolling from a bicycle affords officers the opportunity to interact with the public, promote bicycle safety, and gain access to areas where police cruisers cannot go.   The stealth provided by a bicycle also makes it an effective crime fighting tool.   The Bicycle Patrol Unit has quickly become one of the most effective methods for policing city festivals, concerts in the park, and various parades throughout the year.