Deputies using new e-bikes on campus

Vanderburgh County sheriff's deputies have a new mode of transportation to patrol the USI campus and trails: electric bikes. A state-funded safety grant through the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute enabled the sheriff's office to purchase five e-bikes, two of which have been assigned to deputies at USI.

Because the bikes can travel up to 30 miles per hour, they allow deputies to respond to emergencies on campus more quickly than when riding traditional bicycles. Additionally, they're meant to provide deputies another way to connect with USI students, employees and visitors.

"You don't have those barriers of cars or windows. It fosters communication and interaction that you wouldn't normally get with a squad car," said Major Mark Rasure with the Vanderburgh County Sheriff's Office.

Deputies are using the e-bikes regularly and are able to control the amount of assistance, or power, provided by the bikes as they patrol.