The Allentown Police Department on Wednesday (12/2) added a reliable, cost-effective electric bicycle to its inventory of two-wheeled vehicles.

During a ceremony at the Allentown City Hall/Courthouse Plaza, PP&L, Inc., donated the bicycle to the department.

"We're pleased to accept this new technology," said Allentown Mayor William L. Heydt. "This is another example of the strong partnership between the city of Allentown and PP&L, Inc. We wish to express our appreciation to PP&L, Inc. for its donation, which will help our police officers be more responsive to our community needs."

The Allentown Police Department currently has 25 bicycles for use by police officers as they conduct community patrols throughout the city. An electric bicycle, powered by a rechargeable battery, allows a police officer to respond quickly, if necessary, without expending great physical energy by pedaling. When an officer arrives at a scene, he or she is likely to be less tired.

John Sipics, PP&L Inc.'s vice president for Delivery Services and Economic Development, said, "We're glad for the opportunity to provide this state of the art technology to the city of Allentown. Its police department gets the use of modern equipment, while helping refine electric technology."

ZAP (Zero Air Pollution) Power Systems of Sebastopol, Calif., manufactured the electric bicycle. The user, by operating the electric motor and pedaling, can go up to about 20 miles an hour and travel about 20 miles, depending on speed and terrain. When speed is not necessary, the user can just pedal. The bicycle's recharger can be conveniently carried in a saddlebag. ZAP electric bicycles are used by 100 law enforcement agencies in this country. Electric bicycles are used for transportation in 40 countries throughout the world.

Allentown Police Chief Gerald M. Monahan said, "Our officers on the beat welcome the opportunity to use this bike. We view this as a positive addition to our community policing program. We look forward to making good use of the bike."

Both Heydt and Monahan noted that the electric bicycle is pollution free, and that its combination of low operating costs and efficient operations will help the city's police department save on maintenance costs.