Faced with a rising violent crime level, the NYCHPD wanted to enhance the visibility of police officers in the community. The bike patrol concept provided a cost-effective and environmentally sound approach to patrolling the halls, walkways, and perimeter streets of 350 public high-rise residential developments. Nearly 120 individuals applied for the 40 available positions in the Bike Patrol Unit. Each applicant underwent a background investigation and a medical exam. Bike patrol officers selected for the unit complete a 1-month training program before being assigned to a neighborhood. The training program focuses on safety, physical fitness, and bicycle maintenance. Officers learn how to use their bikes as defensive tools, for example, to ram a suspect who is about to club or stab a victim. The Bike Patrol Unit uses 21-speed, lightweight mountain bikes equipped with all-terrain tires. The bikes also have extended handlebars for added leverage and rear carrying racks for extra equipment. Each bike costs about $600 and is painted blue and white to associate it with the NYCHPD. Bike patrols operate in all but the most extreme weather conditions. During the first 6 months of operation, bike patrols made arrests for 156 felonies and 211 misdemeanors and recorded 488 assists and apprehensions. They also recovered 2,817 vials of crack cocaine, 414 decks of heroin, 65 bags of marijuana, and 30 glassine envelopes of PCP. Bike officers recovered 18 firearms and confiscated over $11,250 relating to drug transactions. The benefits and effectiveness of uniformed bike patrols are discussed, particularly with respect to community policing.