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As summer festivals and nice weather bring crowds of people to cities across Skagit County, police turn to an alternative mode of transportation to use on patrol — the bicycle.

The small carbon footprint of a bicycle compared to a squad car, along with the added benefits of being smaller, more maneuverable and inconspicuous to would-be law breakers are a few of the benefits that law enforcement agents see from using bicycles on routine patrols.

Various agencies use bicycle patrols sparingly, however the Anacortes Police Department has the most use. The city, a popular tourist destination, has used bicycle patrols for more than 16 years — mostly in the summer months, said Detective Sgt. John Small.

“I have found that we are more approachable, and it is a more inoffensive way of policing,” Small said. “And you can hear things better when you are out of the car.”

Anacortes Capt. Ken Clark said the department has received grants from organizations that pay the overtime for officers to do bicycle patrols.

Clark said that Whistle Lake — a popular swimming spot — had a bad reputation as a drinking location in the past, so much that families were avoiding the lake.

After implementing a bicycle patrol there, the problem has diminished and many families have returned, he said.

There are advantages to a silent bike, Clark said.

“We have had officers come right up on drug deals ...,” he said. “Dealers are on the look-out for cars, not bikes.”

While Anacortes is a small city with tourist-oriented festivals, some larger cities in the county also have found bicycle patrols useful.

“It is amazing how much area you can cover on a bike,” said Lt. Chris Cammock of the Mount Vernon Police Department.

Cammock said that for specific emphasis areas, such as burglary or prowler reduction, bicycle patrols are extremely effective.

“We can have patrols run public trails, residential neighborhoods and downtown when it is congested.” he said.

To become certified on a bicycle, law enforcement agencies across the state offer various training classes. Courses cost $250 on average and teach material ranging from basic patrol to more extreme skills.

Some classes even teach methods of using bikes as defensive weapons, as well as how to take down a subject while riding a bike, Small said.

After completing a training session in Olympia in 2005, State Patrol Trooper Jon Lever has been doing regular patrols of ferries and ferry terminals for the Patrol’s Vessel and Terminal Security division.

Bicycles are the perfect method of patrolling a crowded terminal, he said. They’re big enough to be noticeable, yet slim enough to avoid blocking traffic.

“We are more of a visual presence than an enforcer,” Lever said. “We mostly work to assist the public.”

He said that he likes being on a bike because he can zip to any part of the terminal quickly instead of having to run.

“If I was in a car, I would be blocking traffic at the terminal when I stopped,” he said.

Lever said there are about 20 troopers on bicycles working the various ferry terminals in the state, and about 10 working in Olympia around the Capitol.

He said he sees his fair share of traffic violations in ferry terminal lines.

“The ferry and terminal are an extension of the Washington State highway,” he said. “People need to realize that even if you are driving up to wait in line, you shouldn’t have your kid in your lap or have an open container (of alcohol).”

When the La Conner Police Department was absorbed into the Skagit County Sheriff’s Office in 2001, bike patrols were also nixed.

That was until 2005 when newly hired Sheriff’s Deputy Steve Wade mentioned restarting bike patrols.

Wade, who is also an accomplished competitive triathlete, was drawn to bike patrol for various reasons.

“It saves the county quite a bit of money in gas, and I am able to chat and connect with people,” he said. “It is a lot easier than parking the car and walking.”

He now patrols La Conner regularly on a bicycle during his shift.

While bicycle patrols are beneficial in many instances, officers on a bike must be backed up by a squad car, said Anacortes Detective John Small.

If an officer makes an arrest, a transport car needs to be available, he said.

“And there are some things you just can’t carry on a bike — like a laptop, rifle or shotgun,” he said.

• Keith Chaplin can be reached at 360-416-2155 or .