The Horsham Lights and Sirens committee raised money for the bikes through a golf day.

The committee donated them to the police force on Friday.

Senior Sergeant Brendan Broadbent said the bikes were an added service to the community.

“They work really well at large events such as the fishing competition or field days,” he said.

“We will also use them at Stawell Gift.

“They can be used anywhere there are big crowds over a broad area, where it might be difficult for us to police otherwise.

“It gives us easier access to places.

“It is also easier to hear things when you are on a bike, rather than in a car.”

Senior Sergeant Broadbent said the bikes also made police officers more approachable to the community.

“They can be a conversation starter and they can be a proactive method of getting people to come up and talk to us,” he said.

Police will also use the bikes to monitor cyclists.

“Especially in warmer weather, we have issues with people not wearing helmets and not adhering to the road rules,” Senior Sergeant Broadbent said.

“So we can now better educate the community.”

Senior Sergeant Broadbent said officers had to do a stringent training course before they could patrol on bikes.

Lights and sirens committee volunteer and State Emergency Services deputy controller Nola Smith said it was great to be able to donate the bikes.

“We had a golf day and we raised about $6000,” she said.

“Horsham Cyclery have been great in getting the bikes ready and we would like to thank Horsham Golf Club as well.”