Bicycle traffic police, established under the name "White Swallows" in Izmir, have been pedaling for 11 years to maintain peace and order in the bicycle paths and surrounding areas.
The bicycle teams, established by the Provincial Police Department Traffic Control Branch Directorate in 2014, were first deployed in Bostanlı-Karşıyaka started his duty on the coast.
With the addition of the Alsancak-Konak and İnciraltı-Balçova coastal areas, bicycle traffic police officers, whose duty area is approaching 40 kilometers, prevent traffic violations of pedestrians and vehicles as well as public order incidents on the bicycle paths in their areas of responsibility.
During their patrol duties, police also raise awareness among pedestrians and motorcyclists about the use of bicycle paths and take legal action against violations.
Pedaling to ensure safety with 22 police officers, one of whom is a commissioner, the traffic team offers cyclists the opportunity to ride safely and comfortably on roads with sea views.
“Our Citizens Are Satisfied”
İzmir Provincial Deputy Police Chief Şamil Özsagul said that the presence of bicycle police officers pleased the citizens.
Özsagulu, who explained that they support the use of bicycles as a means of transportation, stated that they detected nearly 2 thousand cyclists using bicycle paths in April and that the number is increasing.
Özsagulu stated that they took measures against all kinds of public order and traffic violations on the bike paths and said, “This year, nearly 20 thousand vehicles were checked on the main highways connected to the bike paths, and 1900 vehicles were processed. These are especially motorcycles. Motorcycle use has increased in Izmir as it has everywhere in Türkiye.”
Özsagulu stated that they organize trainings to make children of kindergarten, primary and secondary school age love cycling and that they give them information about cycling and traffic.
Özsagulu stated that in the past, cyclists mostly complained about bicycle spaces being occupied by other vehicles, and continued as follows:
“Our citizens are very happy that this negativity has been eliminated. We clearly observe that they are satisfied not so much from the thoughts they express but from the increase in bicycle use. Our inspection and training activities in this area will continue with determination by increasing the number of our personnel.”
Özsagulu added that bicycle patrols are also effective in preventing crime before it occurs.
“Children Remember What They Apply Rather Than What They See”
Police officer Gülay Karakülah, who is on duty at the Bicycle Traffic Police Teams Center, said that they provide training to children on how to behave in traffic in all situations.
Karakülah stated that he believes that education received at a young age will be permanent, and said, “Children do not forget what they actually apply, rather than what they see. Our primary goal here is to give them a taste of this experience. We aim to instill in them at a young age how they should behave when they are a driver or a passenger.”
Living in Izmir, Yılmaz Akköy said that he has been cycling since childhood and that he always uses the bicycle paths.
Akköy, who stated that cycling has an important place for him, said, “The bicycle path has been very good for us. It is more reassuring, especially with the participation of our traffic friends.”
