Here we see a concept that wouldn’t fly today: the Los Angeles police force on bicycles. But back in circa 1904, when this photo was taken, I suppose bikes were the quickest and most nimble way to get around town in a hurry. This dozen or so cops are pedaling along Broadway in downtown Los Angeles at around 6th Street, but imagine them pursuing today’s criminals. I guess it would come down to who had the fastest two-wheelers!
What they do now (last time I was down there on foot), since badges can’t be omnipresent, they have people on bicycles, with radios on police frequency, acting as extension of police eyes and ears, so if something unfortunate is going on they can call for a police response.
Ah, that’s interesting. I do remember seeing policemen on bikes in Santa Monica in the late 90s/early 2000s and wondered how effective they were or where they just more of a presence for optics sake.
Where have you been, Martin?
https://ipmba.org/blog/comments/lapds-bicycle-rapid-response-team
Oh my! Where indeed have I been? That’s a legitimate question to ask!