(YORKVILLE) The Kendall County sheriff’s office has announced a new bicycle patrol unit that will help with patrols, traffic enforcement, parking control and special events.

The unit, consisting of four deputies and a sergeant, will allow officers to become more mobile and visible to the community, according to a statement from the sheriff’s office. Each member completed a 32-hour police cyclist class and will be required to wear safety equipment.

“Bicycle patrol has been shown to be an effective way to increase deputy visibility in congested areas and their quiet operation can provide a tactical approach to crimes in progress. I commend and extend special thanks to deputies John Collins, Pamela Krantz-Lee, Richard Pearson, and Christopher Phillips for taking the initiative in starting up the unit,” said Sheriff Dwight A. Baird in the statement.