Now, Gurgaon police to patrol on cycles

The Gurgaon police have decided to include bicycles in its fleet of patrolling vehicles and even senior officers will occasionally cycle around the city in order to endorse the car-free day campaign, the police said.

The Gurgaon police have decided to include bicycles in its fleet of patrolling vehicles and even senior officers will occasionally cycle around the city in order to endorse the car-free day campaign, the police said.

The police stations of Sector 29, Sushant Lok, DLF City Phase 1 and Phase 2, and Sector 56 have started beat patrolling on cycles in their respective areas. (Parveen Kumar/HT photo)

This could be a revival of the traditional beat patrolling system wherein officers moved around on foot or bicycle, facilitating better interaction with the community. Beat police patrolled specific areas at a particular time and maintained close relationships with the community for effective policing and safer society.

The beat system, however, had declined in favour of the modern police control room vehicles system.

DCP (East) Deepak Saharan said the aim of the department was to sensitise its staff and the public about reducing congestion on Gurgaon roads.

“We have innumerable cars on Gurgaon roads which are used by very few people. This leads to inefficiency and wastage of resources, the end result of which is pollution. This trend has to stop, and people need to embrace more green and eco-friendly modes to commute,” he said.

The police stations of Sector 29, Sushant Lok, DLF City Phase 1 and Phase 2, and Sector 56 have started sending beat constables in their respective areas.

The police will also make all efforts to promote buses, metro and other mass transport systems in the city and also ensure that the city roads are more user-friendly for pedestrians and cyclists.

“The officials will set an example and we expect many to follow them,” Saharan said.

Women officers will also turn to bicycles for patrolling on the four identified areas from 8am. They will especially keep a watch on people trying to harass women.

The Gurgaon police has been at the forefront of the car-free day campaign in the city and the third car-free Tuesday was observed on October 6. Promoters of the event will observe the same on the coming Tuesday as well.