[B’ Spokes: If police on bikes have a problem with hit-and-runs what hope does the common cyclists have? Not to discount "an enhanced light package" but more then just putting the responsibility on cyclists needs to be done. ]
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Jenna Sachs, FOX6 Reporter – WITI-TV, MILWAUKEE —
A Milwaukee bike cop is hit by a hit-and-run driver Thursday night. A week earlier, a suspected drink driver hits three bike officers and took off. Now Milwaukee Police Chief Ed Flynn is speaking out.
Milwaukee has 87 bicycle officers. Chief Flynn showed off a police bicycle Friday. It was upgraded by one of his officers with an enhanced light package. The new bike has flashing lights on the handlebars and above the back wheels.
Right now, police bikes have a single light in the front and back. Officers also wear reflectors. But Chief Flynn has instructed his staff to replicate the changes made from the new bike. He’s already identified about $10,000 in funding to cover the changes to the bikes.
"I think it illustrated conclusively, the dangers officers face every day not just from armed criminals, with whom we’re had some experience this year, but also with the drunken and the foolish behind the wheels of a car," said Chief Flynn.
24-year-old Guandencio Ruiz-Ramirez was charged Friday for hitting three bicycle officers while driving drunk a week ago.
Officer Al Tenhaken, the officer injured Thursday night, is recovering at home.
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https://www.fox6now.com/news/witi-20110916-bicycle-officer-hurt-latest,0,6456216.storyoldId.20110918135125585
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