It is becoming increasingly popular to see police patrolling on bicycles in Downtown Greensboro, or #DGSO. In the above photo, two policemen are heading east on McGee Street, about to cross over Elm Street. This part of town is known as Hamburger Square and, while Elm/Market is technically the point where the city spits north/south, east/west, Hamburger Square is equally famous for being a point of much activity downtown, especially during festivals.

The bikes are a convenient way to get from Point A to Point B, or around Point C, quickly, especially during times of high foot and vehicle traffic. Another great benefit of the bike patrol is that it gives officers a chance to stop and interact, positively, with community. Unless they are in pursuit of something urgent, they are encouraged to take time to build community with people along the way. According to the city’s website, the Greensboro Police Department has 673 sworn law enforcement officers. According to a 2014 article in the News & Record, 70 officers have been trained to ride bicycles on patrol.