Get ready to see more motorcycle officers on the streets of New Haven.
Now that the weather is warming up and more people will be out, the New Haven Police Department is doubling its motorcycle unit.
"Doubling that means that you'll see motorcycles working in more than one neighborhood at the same time on the day shift and on the night shift," said New Haven Police Chief Dean Esserman.
To do that, the department is adding six motorcycle officers to its Traffic Enforcement Division. The goal is to make sure city streets are safe, especially for pedestrians and cyclists.
Alderman Aaron Greenberg says that was clear after a 81-year-old was killed crossing Olive Street last year.
"The recent death of Dolores Dogolo, a longtime neighbor, really brought to the forefront this issue of vulnerable users, cyclists, pedestrians and the need to have more enforcement," said Greenberg.
Officials say the stepped up traffic patrols won't only be about enforcement. It will also help raise awareness about what can happen when drivers, cyclists and pedestrians don't abide by the laws made to help them share the road.
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"I think they're doing a great job right now. If they're thinking about adding more to it, I think it would be a great idea," said Jack Tracy, who recently moved to New Haven from New York.
