The West Des Moines Police Department returned to the city s trails and parks on bicycle last year after a brief pause in the two-wheel patrol program.
The unit was created in 1999 and active for several years but was dormant recently until its revival in 2020, according to Sgt. Jason Bryan. As part of the department s Special Operations Unit, bicycle officers don t respond to calls for service. Instead, they patrol trails, parks and larger commercial locations like Jordan Creek Town Center or Valley Junction.
Officers are also assigned to ride their bikes during special events, including Fourth of July activities at Raccoon River Park and the Mayor s Annual Ride and Run. The program is not operative in the winter when weather conditions make it difficult to ride.