Cops Get New Wheels

Don't expect to see Watsonville police officers bombing down hills and taking jumps on their new Specialized Rockhoppers, but the mountain bikes give officers an edge when patrolling events like this weekend's .

The police department got the new black-and-white two-wheelers Saturday—perfect timing because the festival kicked off at 10 a.m.—and immediately started patrolling on the 27-speed bikes.

Anthony Gallino, vice president of sales and director of cycling for Giant, arranged the donation. Cal Giant Cycling and Specialized Bikes each gifted one of the $1,100 bikes to the police department.

"It's a great way to get around town," said Gallino.

The police department has patrol cars, motorcycles and even a T3 motorized, three-wheeled scooter but no bikes.

"We wouldn't have bike patrols today if it weren't for them," Watsonville Deputy Police Chief Rudy Escalante said.

Police were coy about how often the bikes would be patrolling city streets, though. Deputy Chief Robert Knill said it's possible the department would start regular bike shifts downtown.