California Police Use Bikes to Fight Gangs

A great story about how mountain bikes can change a person's lifestyle and influence thier lives!

Story by kcra.com

A new biking program hopes to provide students in Sacramento with an alternative to drugs and gangs.

Wednesday afternoon, officers rolled out mountain bikes, helmets and knee pads for the after school program at Goethe Middle School in Sacramento.

School Resource Officer George Martinez came up with the idea for the program to give students structure outside of class.

The Sacramento Police Department made it a part of the Gang Resistance Education and Training, or GREAT program.

Sacramento Police spokesman Sergeant Mike Young said the program gives young people the opportunity to build confidence, maintain physical fitness and interact with positive role models.

"What we've found, especially with these kids that have turned to gangs, that have turned to drugs or this violent lifestyle, is that at some point in their lives they were missing a positive role model," Young said.

Middle School student Anthony Short said it's the first sport he's ever signed up for.

"It means a lot to me because at least I have something to do after school. It will keep me a little out of trouble," he said.

The program is also available at Luther Burbank High School.

The students practice three times a week, and will compete on a regular basis.