New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1898-01-09
HIS FELLOWS ENVY HIS LOT.
THE BICYCLE POLICEMAN HAS THE BEST
BERTH IN THE SERVICE

BERTH IN THE SERVICE.
The position most sought after by policemen Of
/ Ncw-York II TO be detailed to the bicycle squad.
Comparatively short hours. late night duty. no
unusual exertion In covering their posts and In
stormy weather practically rowing commission
which allows them to 90 and come ns they please
these are some OF the advantages OF the service.
These facts have done much 10 make the average
/ patronan. who has TO work at all hours OF the
/ day or night and nc all times in dread OF the
roundsman scrceant's visit his post. envy
the Independence OF the bicycle squad. With the
consolidation OF the city It is expected that this
squad will be largely increased and other stations
established exclusively FOR Bicycle patrolmen. THIS
iact has caused many patromen who ambi-
tious to join the ranks OF the bicycle police to
brush up on their riding Even those who have
oeen more familiar with the one wheeled venice
which Is propelled by two strong graspng
two long handles otherwise the whee barrow, are
now attempting to learn to ride the bicycle The
bicycle policeman. when this class OF pstrolmen
was originally established. reported directly to the
captain Of the precinct in which he was placed
rms meant the same regulation as those ior the
patrolman who beat foot. When the
number OF bicycle police increased and the utility
Of the new force was seen a separate station was
provided for this branch OF service The lrst moor
and basement o, building In Broadway between
Ffty-seventn and Fifty eighth SITS was leased ana
comfortable quarters fitted up for the men.
Sergeant Charles Kemp placed In command
lne force soon increased to between scNenty-H'
and eighty men, including four roundsmen One
half the men are presumed to 60 on duty at n m.
and relieved about 5 ?. m, when the other
squad takes their place. Their tour OF duty Is
ended at m. with no men on duty from a. m
TO a
In pleasant weather the men patrol their beats
on their wheels, and large amount OF terri
tory. This same territory is also covered by the
regular patrol from the various precincts Inc
chic, part o, the city covered BY the bicycle po-
lice is the Boulevard and adjacent streets but
few from the squad sent into other regions
where the are asphalted streets. The principal
work OF the bicycle policeman Ia TO look AFTER ana
protect the bicycle riders we'll as to enforce the
ordinances governing riding and driving.
Various opinions exist as to how well they 90
this and many rider who has mad 10 spehu
night in a police CELL and then be hailed to court
the next morning for scorching. Will bear tesu-
mony that the bicycle policeman overeXerts MS
authority at times Those who have seen the
thrilling rescues made by a number OF men OF TINS
squad OF people in danger OF death from runaway
horses. realize that the organization OF this branch
OF the police service is benefit. and that the men
do good work The main criticism OF the squad
can he found In the very desire Of all the police
men 10 get in il, as It is what they term an easy
thing" The fact that these patroimen ride
wheels furnished ;hem by the city. ana that the
large territory each has 10 cover gives him great
Independence. weigh heavily With the average po-
liceman That the privilege Is abused mere Is no
doubt 10 a person who visits the scene OF mos "a
their labors. Any afternoon or evening TWO or
three, and sometimes more, OF the members OF ne
bicycle squad may be seen standing ana taking
together the Boulevard or some OF the SIZE
streets This conversation lasts anywhere from
minutes hour, depending on now many
good stories each has TO tell The ordinary patro-
men who would 10 this would be soon coinplanel
OF by their rourdsman. and would find themselves
trial before the Board Of Police Commissioners
conversational complaint: the result would
he a fine ranging from one days pay up 10 ten tr
more. The blcyc:e patrolman when asked about out
his talking would say that ne was resting aifer
a long run. and there the matter would drop
The heavy, stormy weather. when the average
policeman breads. is also another source OF con-
graduation To member OF the bicycle squad. that
Re is not like other men" He. H. the stormy
weather. when there is not another bicycle rider
lie does not attempt To ride II far. He stores y
in som, convenient place, and takes matters easy
while the patrolman on foot is Drawing the storm
lie is presumed to patrol his beat even ir this
weather. but knows. at the sam" time. thai h.
will not be he'd strictly to account for not doing
So police, offca.. who IS enthusiastic oyer the
lection. when asked what the men did during
weat Their that il was impossible 10 ride their wheels
said oh they patrol their beats every day. no
matter what the weather is. II they cannot use
their wheels they on foot"
AS some OF the beats nearly ten miles OF
territory. il would seem impossible for the bicycle
foot. One Of these policemen. when asked what
he did during stormy weather: said: when !
90 over part Of my beat, then I take 1t easy for
the Of the day. The Department is rather
stuck on u.s. so do not have II so hard
might otherwise. We DO lots of good and we ella IN
We should not he pushed TOO hard az to rules and
discipline. and We are not
Such facts these have given a to the
squad as the easy berth and while even the
the true benefit to tho discipline OF the force h.
such laxity In this squad. they each TO get
their share Of the snap"