Five years ago, University Police Sgt. Joe Green was called to a drowning at the American River – right off the Sacramento State campus.

Green said in his 30 years with University Police, this drowning was one of the many times he and his partner were the first officials to arrive on scene thanks to their alternative form of transportation &- bicycles.

University Police Officer Nathan Rice said the drowning location was accessible and convenient for Green to reach on bicycle, but difficult for police cruisers because they were delayed by traffic and regular traffic precautions.

“It’s very common that a university police officer on a bicycle will get to a scene faster than a car because they can cut through traffic, weave in and out of an area and hold less of a risk for pedestrians than a patrol cruiser will,” Rice said.

Rice said the only difference between cruiser and bicycle police officers it the mode of transportation.

They are all out fulfilling the same objectives, he said, such as helping people who need support, responding to criminal activity and allowing for an opportunity to connect with the campus community.

He also said bicycle officers follow the same standards as officers in vehicles.

The Sacramento Police Department started the first organized bicycle unit in the region, and Officer Kelly Ellen-Laura and Sgt. Brian Burger of the university police adopted a similar bike patrol organization on campus 10 years ago.

All university officers at Sac State are trained to patrol on bicycles, Green said, but whether they choose to take this position is their personal choice.

Green said he enjoys patrolling on bicycle because bicycle officers can be more personable with the Sac State community. He said it is less intimidating for people to approach him when he is on a bicycle.

“It’s hard to talk to people in a police cruiser but it’s natural to get off your bike and talk to people,” Rice said.

Rice said he does not mind people flagging him down if they need help because he wants to help serve his community and to be close with them.

He said if the campus community speaks to officers about their worries, they can help improve public safety by resolving campus problems.

Rice said he wants to quash any notion that society has of police officers writing tickets and sending people to jail just for fun because in reality, they only do it if they absolutely have to.

He said the university police would rather resolve a situation than get someone in trouble.

By prioritizing on public relations, Rice said this should help change the attitudes the public has about officers.

“If the campus sees us as a friendly face, they’re going to contact us for help,” Rice said.Green said there are a few disadvantages to patrolling by bicycle, and they include not having a computer, heater or air conditioning system by their side.

Although the bicycles lack these features, Green said they are good for the environment and economically viable because they do not produce toxins and are cost-effective.

Green said police officers are required to stay in shape, which makes bicycle patrol beneficial because it offers him plenty of exercise.

Yvette Espinoza, undeclared sophomore, said she would like University Police to increase bicycle patrol around campus so she can feel safer walking around campus during the day and night.

“As a girl, I feel vulnerable,” Espinoza said. “I’m scared of something happening to me. With guys, they can defend themselves,” she said. “Bike cops would help to curb this fear by bringing more security to the campus.”

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