SUDBURY -- Sault Ste. Marie Police Service officers have begun patrolling areas of the downtown on bicycles, police said in a news release. The police bicycle unit will be patrolling the downtown area during the day on a regular basis as long as the weather permits.

“Bicycles are a highly effective method of patrolling busy city streets like our downtown area,” said Sgt. Nikki Magnan, supervisor of the bicycle unit. “Not only are we able to patrol larger areas than on foot, but officers on bicycles are able to manoeuvre into many areas cruisers cannot access.”

The bicycle unit will use the Station Mall office to allow for easier access to the downtown core, the release said.

"Officers are highly visible in their bicycle unit uniforms and are ready to answer calls for service," police said.

Another benefit of the bicycle unit is the level of engagement officers are able to have with members of the public.

"Cycling the downtown area will allow officers to meet and have conversation with many of the people we serve," the release said.