Sherbrooke Police Service Bike Patrol Officers gathered for a press conference in Lucien-Blanchard Park. Photo by William Crooks
By William Crooks
Local Journalism Initiative
The Sherbrooke Police Service (SPS) announced June 11 in Lucien-Blanchard Park that bike patrol officers will be highly visible across various city sectors. In addition to the Community Safety Officers, Operational Support Officers and Homeless Outreach Team members will now be equipped with bicycles, according to a same day release.
Community Safety Officers have been patrolling the city’s bike paths and parks during the summer months for several years. They provide safety advice during interactions with citizens and use this opportunity to answer questions related to cycling network sharing, regulations, and other concerns.
To ensure a harmonious coexistence among road users, bike path users, and park visitors, and to provide a safe environment in compliance with current laws and standards, the mandate of operational support bike patrol officers will be based on three key action areas aligned with the section’s mission.
They will enforce municipal regulations and the Highway Safety Code on city roads, bike paths, and parks; manage the new reality of motorized personal transport devices, such as electric scooters, within the city; and participate in police operations where bicycles will be advantageous for mission success, without reducing the involvement of Community Safety and Homeless Outreach bike patrol officers.
These dedicated Homeless Outreach Team officers use bicycles to access known camping sites efficiently, working alongside health and social community partners. They also patrol the downtown area, engaging with citizens concerned about homelessness and other social coexistence issues, to enhance the overall sense of security for all residents.
More from the SPS
On the scene, SPS Inspector of Territorial Surveillance Sylvain Petit further outlined the initiative and its purpose.
One of the primary uses of these bicycles will be for patrolling parks. The “Security in Parks” team has been assigned the task of engaging with park wardens and performing preventive measures. Their mission includes identifying and addressing issues or problems within the parks. This team has been utilizing bicycles for several years, but the recent expansion to other teams marks a significant development.
In a new move, the team dedicated to working with homeless populations will now use bicycles to reach vulnerable individuals more effectively.
“The bikes will make it easier for us to access sites and encampments,” said Petit.
“Previously, it was sometimes challenging to fulfill our mandate using patrol cars, but bicycles will make us more accessible.”
The operational support team will also benefit from this initiative. Their mission involves enforcing regulations on roadways and bike paths to ensure harmonious coexistence among users. They will focus on ensuring the safety of the road network for citizens, pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists.
“The best way to enforce norms and regulations is through our presence,” said Petit.
“It was difficult to maintain a police presence on bike paths using patrol cars. Bicycles will allow our officers to engage directly with citizens, provide information, and intervene if there are safety concerns.”
The introduction of bicycles is part of adapting to new transportation realities, including motorized personal transport devices and electric-assisted bicycles. This follows a pilot project by the Quebec Ministry of Transport, which introduced new regulations last year.
“Our officers will be attentive to these new players on bike paths and the road network,” said Petit.
“We encourage citizens interested in these new modes of transport to inform themselves about the regulations on government websites.”
In the coming weeks, the police service plans to set up an information booth at Jacques-Cartier Park, potentially during the Saint-Jean-Baptiste weekend, to engage with citizens and provide information about the new regulations and transportation methods. They will also share government links on their social media platforms to direct citizens to the appropriate resources for accurate information.
Example safety incident
At the park, SPS Agent Cousin Wellinger recounted to The Record his new patrol’s first safety incident.
A man was spotted riding a traditional, non-electric bicycle without holding the handlebars, talking on a cellphone, and not wearing a helmet.
“The helmet isn’t obligatory in his case because it’s not an electric bike,” explained Wellinger, “but still, several dangerous behaviours were involved. We aim to promote safety and inform the public, so we decided to intervene.”
The patrol stopped the cyclist to explain the dangers of his actions, emphasizing the risks posed not only to himself but also to others on the multi-use path.
“It’s not just dangerous for him; it’s dangerous for others too,” Wellinger said.
“Wearing a helmet is for personal protection, but riding without hands on the handlebars and talking on a cellphone are hazardous actions.”
The cyclist was reportedly very repentant.
“He admitted that it wasn’t his best moment today, talking on the phone hands-free and without holding the handlebars on a busy path,” said Wellinger.
New community police initiative launched in Lennoxville
A new community policing initiative has been introduced in Lennoxville, aiming to enhance communication and collaboration between the police force and local residents.
The “Sheriff Project,” spearheaded by newly appointed Community Police Officer Billy Poirier, is designed to address and resolve various community issues through direct interaction with citizens.
“I want to give my time to the citizens, listen to them, and understand the problems they face in Lennoxville,” said Poirier to The Record June 11. Poirier is also a bike patrol officer and was present at the press conference at the park.
The project encourages residents to share their concerns about local issues, such as problems with students, vandalism like street sign damage, security questions, and danger zones in the community.
“We want to address these problems, but it’s important to note that I am not there to take official complaints. Instead, citizens should call the administrative line at the police station to make formal complaints,” Poirier clarified.
Poirier emphasized the importance of informal communication, stating that any valuable information gathered will be shared with the police station to ensure appropriate action is taken.
Residents can make appointments with Poirier through the borough office secretary. His office hours at the town hall will be between 1:15 p.m. and 3 p.m., during which he plans to meet with citizens for about 15 minutes each. When not meeting with citizens, Poirier will patrol the streets, engaging with local business owners and assessing the community’s needs.
The initiative will initially run throughout the summer, with Poirier available at the town hall for four Mondays. This period will serve as a test to evaluate the project’s effectiveness and determine if it will continue year-round.
“This is an experiment. We will assess and adjust based on the feedback and the outcomes of these interactions,” he explained.
Having started last week, Poirier has already familiarized himself with the town hall staff, including Director André Blais, Councillor Jennifer Garfat, and President Claude Charron, to ensure smooth coordination of the project.
The Lennoxville community is encouraged to participate in this new initiative, providing a platform to voice their concerns and contribute to the overall safety and well-being of the area.