Cumbria Constabulary’s new police bicycles have already been put to use after being rolled out earlier this week.

Officers from the force’s Eden team were stationed at Hartside Pass focussing on anti-social driving and speeding in the newly-extended 30mph xone near Melmerby on the A686 today (July 9).

The police said this also allowed them to see things from the more vulnerable point of view of a cyclist.

Cumbria police announced the rollout of police-marked bicycles two days ago as part of Anti-Social Behaviour Week.

Chief inspector Lee Skelton said of the rollout: "These bikes will improve our patrol strategy and confidence in local towns and villages across the county.

"Patrolling on a pedal cycle will give a new perspective on tackling antisocial behaviour, neighbourhood crime and engaging with members of the public." 

Community beat officers, police community support officers and special constables are among those deployed at all six neighbourhood policing areas across the county.

Sergeant Jack Stabler said earlier this week: "Officers patrolling on pedal cycles will increase their visibility in urban and rural areas of Cumbria and extend their range of patrol.

“Our officers have large geographic areas of responsibility, and this will enable them to patrol areas where a vehicle may not be suitable.

"Officers on pedal cycles will naturally allow us to target antisocial behaviour and crime hotspots whilst also engaging with our communities.

"There is also an environmental benefit to patrolling on pedal cycles as it allows us to reduce our carbon footprint whilst protecting the communities we live and work in."