Bobbies on bicycles will soon be patrolling around three areas of Aberdeen.
Police officers in Kittybrewster, Seaton and the West End areas of the city will receive specialist lessons to patrol their beats on bikes after a donation from Diamond Offshore Drilling UK to fund specific clothing and training.
Benefits to pedalling around the areas include increased visibility and the scheme also provides an alternative to foot and vehicle patrols for local officers.
Chief inspector Nick Topping said: “Having officers trained and equipped to use the bicycles in our local communities provides an additional benefit and assists in addressing some local concerns that have recently been raised from our communities.
“People like to see their local officers out and about and this creates opportunities for better engagement with members of the public. In addition the officers will be able to get to places quicker than if they were on foot patrol and can help free up police vehicles responding to other calls.
“This will benefit the already good relationship between the local community and the police as well as providing health and environmental benefits.”
Councillor Martin Greig, chairman of the Aberdeen Community Safety Partnership, said: “The bicycle will allow speedy access along paths and roads that can otherwise be a challenge for a police car.
“Police on bike patrol will hopefully become a common sight that will give reassurance to all and also allow for better, closer relations to develop with residents.”