The Brief
- Gilbert Police are deploying drones to track and disperse groups of reckless e-bike riders—primarily teenagers—without the risks associated with high-speed ground pursuits.
- The “track and guide” strategy uses aerial technology to pinpoint riders’ locations and safely direct officers to them.
- Safety concerns are rising as officials report some e-bikes reaching speeds of 60 mph, contributing to a recent surge in serious accidents and collisions.
GILBERT, Ariz. – E-bikes are one of the most hotly debated topics throughout the Valley. But one police department is changing the way they crack down on people—mainly teenagers—who use them unsafely.
The backstory:
Drones can be used for just about anything, from forming shapes in the sky, light shows and even delivering packages. But Gilbert Police have found a new role for the flying objects— first responder.…