CINCINNATI — After recent violence in downtown Cincinnati, the police department has asked officers to volunteer more time patrolling the city over the weekends.

One way they’re doing that is by bicycle. 

What You Need To Know

  • After a deadly shooting on the Fourth of July, the Cincinnati Police Department is adding more officers to patrol the city on the weekends during the summer months

  • One way the department is increasing patrols is through bike officers

  • Greg Toyeas, a bike officer, said they aren't always looking for anything in particular, they just want to be visible in the community

  • Toyeas said being on a bike makes it easier to connect with residents and visitors

​​​Grey Toyeas is all set for a day on two wheels, rolling out on the streets of downtown Cincinnati.

Toyeas has been with the Cincinnati Police Department for 30 years but became a bike officer just a few years ago.

“Once I came downtown, I got trained on the bicycle and I haven’t looked back since,” he said.

Toyeas is stationed in the downtown area, where he spends a lot of time biking the riverfront.

He said he’s really not looking for much but wants to connect with the community.

“People like seeing the police," Toyeas said. "We’re out and about riding. We can stop and talk to people, they can talk to us.”

Toyeas and the other bike officers make sure to spend time each day interacting with the community and always saying hi.

And while the increase in violence has led to a greater need for more of a police presence, Toyeas said having officers on bikes makes it easier to confront or talk with others.

“You’re on a bike, you’re not in a car," he said. "There’s no metal in between us, there’s nothing.”

And while riding miles on a bike can lead to long, grueling days, Toyeas said it’s something he loves to do and hopes to keep on doing it. 

“I’m not sick of it yet," he said. "I enjoy it greatly. This is probably the best job I’ve ever had.”