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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Police put Harleys on parade

It’s been about 30 years since Coeur d’Alene Police patrolled on motorcycles.

Today they’ll return to the saddle when the police force’s new Motor Unit makes its debut during the Car d’Lane Friday Night Cruise through downtown Coeur d’Alene.

The police force used motorcycles not only in the ‘70s, but also in the ‘50s, which makes the classic car show all the more appropriate for the unit’s first day on the job.

The point of the new motorcycle patrol is to reduce accidents, said Sgt. Christie Wood.

“The advantage is they are able to maneuver much better in high traffic areas,” she said.

In 2004, Coeur d’Alene was ranked the sixth city in the state for the overall number of injury accidents, and per capita, the city ranked second highest in the state, according to Wood.

The motorcycles, operated by officers Nick Knoll and Tim Vulles, will be part of the city’s regular traffic patrol program, operating year-round, weather permitting, Wood said.

The two Harley Davidson motorcycles were leased for $1 each from Bear Tooth Harley in Billings. The police department purchased the necessary equipment, such as sirens, lights and radios, and the two officers completed a two-week certified motorcycle training academy.

They may have some traffic issues to deal with this weekend as downtown Coeur d’Alene gets clogged with classic cars during the weekend’s Car d’Lane show.

Both Sherman and Lakeside avenues will be closed at 3 p.m. today, and the police department will start towing cars out of those streets at 5 p.m.

During tonight’s cruise, the route will be closed to non-cruise traffic along Eighth Street to Lakeside, west to Fourth Street, north to Indiana, west to Second Street, south to Sherman Avenue and east back to Eighth Street.

On Saturday, Sherman and Lakeside will remain closed for the car show from Second to Sixth avenues. A street dance follows the car show at 7 p.m. Saturday.