The N.C. Governor’s Highway Safety Program recently awarded the Wake Forest Police Department an $85,000 grant to establish a new motorcycle patrol unit.
The grant enabled the police department to purchase two 2015 BMW motorcycles, two mobile data terminals and uniforms for the two motorcycle patrol officers.
“The Wake Forest Police Department is committed to maintaining safe driving conditions in our community,” said Police Chief Jeff Leonard. “Our new motor unit is intended to keep our roadways safe through both enforcement and education.”
The Wake Forest Police Department Motor Unit is expected to focus its traffic enforcement efforts in local subdivisions and on secondary roads. Activities the unit will monitor include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Motorcycle safety enforcement
- Distracted driving enforcement
- Seat belt and child safety seat enforcement
- Speed, red light, and stop sign enforcement
The unit will also work to raise public awareness by participating in community events that help promote highway and motorcycle safety. In late May or early June, the unit will begin hosting and assist other law enforcement agencies in hosting regular motorcycle safety classes sponsored by BikeSafe NC.
BikeSafe NC invites motorcyclists to participate in Rider Skills Days that offer assessment on present skills and advice from motor officers to help make riding in North Carolina safer and more enjoyable. Along with professional riding techniques, topics covered include the system of motorcycle control and collision causation factors.
The Rider Skills Days are conducted during the week and weekends by highly qualified officers. The day includes both classroom based advice and on-road ride-outs.
For more information about BikeSafe NC, visit www.bikesafenc.com/.
