The Slatington Borough Police force has reached $825 of its $2,500 goal to start a bicycle patrol unit.

Monday night during the monthly council meeting Police Chief David Rachman introduced the subject of creating a GoFundMe account to raise money needed for travel unit."Several officers have expressed interest in a bike patrol unit for the downtown area. They approached me about starting a GoFundMe account, all the funds for the unit would be raised at no cost to the borough," he told the council."It's a great tool for the police in the business district, and it dovetails right in with the request for increased patrol," said the chief.The Main Street Merchants Group has been hosting First Friday events since late winter when businesses in the town have stayed open later. The group has continued to request increase police presence and thanked the force for its provided foot patrol during the monthly events."We already have one officer who has become certified and bought the equipment," Rachman said.Newly appointed councilman Jason Ruff and Merchants Group member suggested going to the historic district for support for the proposed unit, "We should work on getting support for the patrol from businesses," he said.According to Slatington Patrolman William Borst, "Research and statistics from the International Police Mountain Bike Association, state bicycle patrols result in more than twice as many police contacts with the public compared to officers on patrol in standard patrols. A bicycle patrol unit would help to establish and maintain a positive relationship between our citizens and our police officers.""Due to the proximity of residences and businesses in the borough of Slatington, a large majority of our citizens utilize foot travel as a means for transportation," said Borst on the fundraising site."As summer approaches, we experience an increase in this activity. In addition, the borough sponsors numerous community events in which a bicycle mounted patrol officer would benefit the community," Borst said."The Slatington Police Department believes that our community would benefit greatly from such a program, and is seeking help from our community's citizens and businesses alike to implement this program."Chief Rachman agreed saying, "It's a great tool for police in the business district."Merchants Group representative and Greater Northern Lehigh Chamber of Commerce Relations Director, Alice Wanamaker, made the usual request for foot patrol for June 2, First Friday's "Cruise into Summer" event.Along with the police force Wanamaker requested exclusive use of the parking space along the historic district in order to decorate the 600 block with classic cars."It'll begin at 2 until 9 p.m., for the classics car show and cruise through the borough. We also request to use th Harding Funeral Home lot and the Trailhead Parking lot during the time for the cruise and show," she said.The event will take place from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday. Businesses will stay open later and offer different promotions, discounts and activities to entice residents to walk the historic street.To donate to the Slatington Bike Patrol unit visit site:

www.GoFundMe.com/slatington-police-bicycle-unit