With wheels in motion, the New Rochelle Police Department (NRPD) has launched a dedicated Downtown Bicycle Patrol Unit (DBPU) focused on downtown New Rochelle. This initiative aims to enhance public safety, improve quality of life, and foster stronger community relationships—one pedal stroke at a time.
Imagine walking down Main Street in New Rochelle in 1899—the very year the city was officially incorporated. That same year, Police Chief Timmons introduced bicycle patrols to help officers better navigate the rapidly growing community. Officers on bicycles weaved through bustling crowds, chasing reckless riders known as “scorchers,” and rounding up runaway horses—all while staying connected with the neighborhoods they served.
Fast forward over a century—2025 marks a renaissance for New Rochelle’s bike patrol with the establishment of a fully dedicated team focused on the vibrant downtown. This launch represents a new era emphasizing visibility, community connection, and rapid response at the heart of the city.
At its core, the bike patrol carries on the community-centered policing tradition—where officers aren’t just enforcers, but familiar faces in the neighborhood, fostering trust through their visible and approachable presence. This approach, rooted in principles established by Sir Robert Peel in the early 1800s, remains a cornerstone of effective policing today.
The Downtown Bike Patrol enables officers to move easily through sidewalks, streets, and pedestrian areas—allowing them to be more present and approachable where people live, work, and gather. This mobility helps officers build stronger relationships and respond quickly to community needs in the heart of downtown.
Officer Craig McClintock, who previously patrolled the midnight shift in a squad car, said the bike unit has transformed how he connects with the public. “Squad cars play an important role, but being on a bike puts you in the mix. You’re more approachable, and it’s easier to connect with people. Folks are more likely to stop you, ask a question, or just say hello. It feels more personal.”
One memorable moment for McClintock involved three kids proudly showing their library cards. “They asked if I had a library card when I was a kid—and I told them I sure did. Moments like that don’t happen from inside a patrol car.”
Officer Joe Millosky is a man of few words, and on the bike, he stands out. He doesn’t need to say much—his presence does the talking. Joe has a calm, steady approach that puts people at ease and creates space for real conversations. As he says, “You show up on a bike and people notice. That’s the point, right?”
Officer Shirley Andrade spoke to the heart of her daily work. “Every day in law enforcement brings something new—that’s what drew me to it,” she said. “When riding the bike downtown, I feel more approachable. People wave and say hi. It opens up conversations that I wouldn’t have behind a patrol car window. So far I feel like riding the bike has allowed a deeper connection with the community.”
Together, these moments highlight that the Downtown Bike Patrol is about more than safety—it’s about building genuine relationships that keep New Rochelle’s community vibrant and connected.
The new bicycle unit reflects a broader commitment to public safety and downtown vibrancy—one strongly supported by both the New Rochelle Police Department (NRPD) and the New Rochelle Business Improvement District (NRBID).
“The bike patrol is a smart investment in the success of our downtown,” said Marc Jerome, Chair of the NRBID and President of Monroe University, one of downtown’s anchor institutions. “It improves visibility, strengthens trust, and helps create a walkable environment for residents, visitors, and businesses. A safe, vibrant streetscape is essential for long-term economic growth—and this program supports exactly that.”
As officers pedal through the city’s heart, the message is clear: they’re here, they’re present, and they’re part of the community.
NRPD officers in front of Lawton Street headquarters, 1908. When New Rochelle became a city in 1899, Chief Timmons introduced bicycle patrols to help officers cover the expanding community. Nine years later, this photo captured officers with both bicycles and newly added motorcycles—brought in to meet the challenges posed by the arrival of the Ford Model T and the dawn of the automobile age.
Have questions or feedback about the Downtown Bike Patrol? The New Rochelle Police Department welcomes your input. Feel free to say hello if you see an officer on patrol—they’re here to connect and support the community.
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