Castlegar RCMP were pleased to showcase two new e-bikes at Sunfest over the weekend.

The new police bikes will offer local RCMP officers the ability to navigate certain areas of the community much more effectively than standard police vehicles, and will allow for more effective interaction between police officers and the public during major events and regular patrols.

The bikes come with a power assist function (not an electric motor) that will allow for officers to cover more ground quickly when needed.

The bikes were funded by the City of Castlegar.

READ MORE: RCMP bike patrol coming to Castlegar

“We are very pleased with the decision of city council to fund these bikes, and they will be utilized in several different ways.

“They will be very useful for locating missing or vulnerable persons in remote areas, patrolling residential and commercial areas at night, and they will provide police an opportunity to interact with the public during large community events such as Sunfest,” said Corporal Brett Turner.

“Officers may not always be in uniform when on the bikes as they look to spot distracted drivers and other offences at intersections and busy roads.”