Pedaling Police Escort-

Merced officers lead a community bicycle ride along the Bear Creek paths

Bicyclists are welcomed to the Pedaling with the Police event sponsored by the Merced Police Department. Photo: Steve Newvine

It’s not uncommon on a spring Saturday morning to see groups of bicyclists pedaling the trails along Bear Creek in Merced.

But on this particular Saturday, part of Memorial Day weekend, this group had a special escort.

Officers from the Merced Police Department provided the leadership and protection for participants in the Pedaling with the Police riding event.

The group met at the Merced Open Air Stage in Applegate Park, and then headed along the Bear Creek trail to Parsons Avenue and on to a rest stop at Rahilly Park.

Pedaling with the Police began at the Merced Open Air Stage. Photo: Steve Newvine

About thirty area bicyclists of all ages took part in the free event.

“This is something the Department’s Bike Unit wanted to do to for the community,” said Police Community Affairs Officer Emily Foster.

A pair of older cyclists liked the idea of a police escort along the Bear Creek trail.

“This is good for all of us,” one of the pair said.

The pace was kept with the help of officers from the Department’s Bike Unit. Photo: Steve Newvine

The group headed to the bridge on G Street, and then changed sides of Bear Creek to be in position for the eventual midway point at Rahilly Park.

Once at the park, the bicyclists had traveled three-and-one-third miles. It was time for a break.

“We think it’s important for everyone to know that police officers do a lot more for the community that what is seen in some of the media,” Lieutenant Foster said.

“We’re here now to have a lot of fun with our citizens.”

The group stopped at G Street to change sides from South to North Bear Creek. The switching of sides was made much safer with the Merced Police escort. Photo: Steve Newvine

All that was required for this six-and-a-half mile bike ride was a safe set of wheels, the stamina to complete the ride, and a positive attitude.

“C’mon dad,” one seven year old encouraged his father as the ride was underway.

Whether it was a son with his dad, a daughter with her mom, or a husband-and-wife pair, folks were taking advantage of perfect bicycling weather.

Sunshine and blue skies helped provide the ideal setting for a leisurely bike ride along Bear Creek for the participants in the Pedaling with the Police event. Photo: Steve Newvine

This is the second event the Department has done after enduring the worst of the COVID restrictions.

The first was Star Wars themed activity held on May 4th (may the forth be with you).

“We’re glad with COVID coming to an end, we can host more events like this one,” said Lieutenant Foster.

The returning cyclists had a good workout in the fresh air, a nice outing on a spring day, and hopefully a better understanding about the role police officers play in keeping everyone safe.

Steve Newvine lives in Merced.

His latest book, Can-Do Californians, is now available in a hard-cover version as well as paperback.

Steve Newvinelives in Merced.

His latest book, Can-Do Californians, is now available in a hard-cover version as well as paperback.