The beefing up how and where Bristol Borough Police patrol is continuing with the department getting four electric bikes and one all terrain vehicle to assist with public safety efforts during the outdoor event season.

Mayor Ralph DiGuiseppe III announced the new additions to assist patrols at Monday night’s council meeting.

“In matter of a couple of months you’ll see electric bikes being used by the police department and a ATV we’ll be able to use for events and behind the canal and everything else,” he said.

The mayor said all the thanks for new additions goes to state Senator Steve Santarseiro (D-Bucks) and state Representative Tina Davis (D-Bristol) who were very instrumental the finding for the purchases.

“I publicly want to thank state Rep Davis and Senator Santarseiro for their continued efforts supporting this Borough and initiatives we’re trying to achieve” the mayor said.

Bike patrols by borough police officers generally begin as the weather gets warmer. Officers roving around on electric bikes, offers varying options on how and where to deploy officers, especially during outdoor event season, which is now in full gear.

The money has been earmarked, but  there are still some formalities to go through as of yet, officials said with an expected joint announcement coming from the state legislators soon.

The announcement comes on the heels of new vehicles – animal control vehicle, a Ford F-150 Police pickup truck, a Bobcat for the Public Works Department were put in service in recent weeks.

DiGuiseppe III said the new animal control vehicle is the “Mercedes Benz” of its class.

These three vehicles came from municipal grants awarded by the Redevelopment Authority of Bucks County, late last year as part of the municipal grant fund that is derived from Parx Casino funds

Davis and Santarsiero provided an assist with securing state funds for two other Borough related projects announced late last year officials said.

$1.3 million is going towards redeveloping multiple properties along Chestnut and Elm Streets in the Borough, from Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP). 

$2 million in state funds from the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP) will go to a major renovation project at the Bristol Riverside Theater also.