[Photos] Hanoi Launches 'Friendly' Bicycle Police Force

Nguyen Hue Street’s rollerblading security guards have been getting a ton of press over the past week for their unique mode of transportation. Not to be outdone, last Wednesday, a squad of police in Hanoi traded in their motorized vehicles for the analog, two-wheeled variety, patrolling the city on bicycles.

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The scheme is part of the city’s effort to create a friendlier public image of its police officers by allowing them to better interact with residents.

Under the plan, meant to coincide with what the capital calls the “Year of order and civilization,” state-owned company Thong Nhat will design specialized bikes, made just for cops.

"This type of bike is based on the prototype of a normal bike, but has both improved and additional features based on the work requirements of police officers. Offices will have badges with the words "Public Order Police of Hanoi," a police spokesperson told VnExpress.

Similar patrols, scheduled to be rolled out in 12 wards across the capital, also seeks to make the city more accessible to police as bicycles will allow officers to patrol even the smallest alleyways.