In This Department

Bicycle Patrol

The Neenah Police Department is dedicated to serving and protecting the City of Neenah. Bicycles allow officers to get out of their squads and interact with the public on a more personal level. Our bicycle patrol officers are specifically trained in bicycle handling and patrol techniques. Bicycles are a unique tool providing versatility in community oriented policing, whether at a city event or just saying “hi” while riding through a park.

Our bicycle patrol officers teach classes on bike safety to children at local schools. The classes include a portion of classroom learning, a bike rodeo, and group rides.

The bike patrol also hosts an annual family fun night each year. This is a free community event thanks to volunteers and community donations. Activities include a bike rodeo, helmet fittings, local mascots, prizes, and much more. All are welcome to attend!

In the spring of 2020, the Neenah Police Department Bicycle Patrol was able to purchase two e-bikes from Cranked Bike Studio. These e-bikes were purchased using monies raised through generous community donations and family fun night events. The bicycles are pedal assist e-bikes, which means they must be manually pedaled before the drive unit will assist the cyclist with extra power. They have a top speed of 28 MPH and a range of up to 50 miles before they need to be re-charged. They can also be used just like traditional bicycles with the motor turned off. Our e-bikes are even equipped with emergency lights and siren.

With their speed, range, emergency equipment, and pedal assist, the e-bikes allow our bicycle patrol officers to travel longer distances, cover a much larger patrol area, and respond to calls more quickly than with the traditional pedal bikes. Additionally, with the pedal assist feature, officers are able to arrive at a call, whether it’s an emergency or routine call, without being exhausted

Bicycle Safety

Wisconsin Bicycle Laws

Numbers in brackets refer to state statutes

Vehicular Status– The bicycle is defined as a vehicle. [340.01(5)] The operator of a vehicle is granted the same rights and subject to the same duties as the driver of any other vehicle. [346-02(4)(a)]
Lane Positioning– Always ride on the right in the same direction as other traffic. [346.80(2)(a)] Ride as far to the right as is practicable (not as far right as possible). [346.80(2)(a)] Practicable generally means safe and reasonable.
One Way Streets– Bicycles on a one-way street with 2 or more lanes of traffic may ride as near the left or right-hand edge or curb of the roadway as practicable (in the same direction as other traffic). [346.80(2)(b)]
Riding 2 Abreast– Riding 2 abreast (side-by-side) is permitted on any street as long as other traffic is not impeded. When riding 2 abreast on a 2 or more lane roadway, you both have to ride in a single lane. [346.80(3)(a)]
Hand Signals– Bicyclist are required to use the same hand signals as motorists. [346.35] Hand signals are required within 50 feet of your turn, and is not required continuously if you need both hands to control the bike. [346.34(1)(b)
Passing – A motorist passing a bicyclist in the same lane is required to give at least 3 feet of clearance, and maintain that clearance until safely passed. [346.075] A bicyclist passing a stopped or moving vehicle is also required to give at least 3 feet of clearance. [346.80 (2)C]
Bicycling at Night– At night, bicycles are required to have at least a white front headlight and a rear red reflector. The white front light must be visible to others 500 feet away. The red reflector must be visible to others 50 to 500 feet away. This is required whether you are riding on a street, path or sidewalk [347.489(1)]