News
Email
Print
Scene & Heard - Big Wheels: Downtown Bike Patrol praised by businesses
Journal Photo by Lauren Carroll
Tim Jennings (left) talks with Sgt. Tom Peterson at the ceremony.
ADVERTISEMENT
Published: July 29, 2008
It may not rank up there with the waterfall scene from the latest Indiana Jones movie, but waiting out last Tuesday's storm in the atrium of the Chatham Building with Jason Thiel and Dan Besse was certainly one of the most exciting things I did last week.
Thiel, the president of the Downtown Winston-Salem Partnership, had just made his closing remarks at a reception for the Downtown Bike Patrol when the skies opened up, and wind and rain battered Fourth Street.
"We all have a fond story or memory of the bike patrol," Thiel said as he thanked the group of business owners and city officials who gathered to honor the officers. He announced that the Downtown Winston-Salem Partnership was ready for its move Wednesday to the second floor of the Chatham Building and invited everyone to tour the new offices.
Thiel acknowledged City Council Members Molly Leight and Dan Besse, City Manager Lee Garrity and the city's new police chief, Scott Cunningham. And as the highlight of the afternoon, he presented Sgt. Tom Peterson with a framed poster with the words "Downtown Loves Our Bike Patrol."
Peterson thanked the Downtown Winston-Salem Partnership and introduced the members of the patrol with a joke. His opening remark, "If there's any danger, they're the first one to move forward but look at them now, hiding in the back of the room" drew a laugh and a round of applause as the officers made their way to the front of the atrium.
Members of the patrol present were Cpl. Matt Banville, Cpl. John Grismer and Officers Billy Williams, Gary Neal, Ray Nowak, David Smith, Jason Hollifield, Rodney Hutchins, Vince Stephens, Chris Doub, Paul Williams, Scott Bracken and Charlie McCoy.
"You guys make downtown a very special place," Mayor Allen Joines said in his impromptu speech. "You know more about what's going on downtown than I do. Thank you for your contribution to making our city better."
Cunningham complimented the officers and the town they protect. "This is a good example of how our community and the police department work together," Cunningham said to his new neighbors. "I'm walking into a great situation but it's up to you. We can put downtown on track to a better business environment and a better economic environment. Relationships like this are absolutely essential," he said as he thanked the officers for their service and the people gathered for "reaching out to embrace the police department."
Garrity called the officers "ambassadors" and said they understand the problems of downtown. "They know the people here," he said. "When they're successful, you don't have crime."
Leight understands the importance of the bike patrol. "If we're going to make downtown a fun and safe place to be, they're critical," she said. "Without them, people wouldn't be comfortable down here."
College students who enjoy downtown may have another way of getting there if Steve Mason gets what he wants. Mason, a member of the downtown partnership's infrastructure committee, made a point of stopping by the Chatham Building to talk to Peterson about plans for a new night trolley that will link with area campus shuttles to make it easier for students to come downtown. He said he appreciated the bike patrol's support of the project.
One of the challenging responsibilities that the patrol faces is the homeless population. Besse told me that he attended the opening of the Winston-Salem Rescue Mission's new facility on Trade Street last Tuesday. "In order to keep the city center attractive to pedestrians, we need to reach out to the less fortunate and help lift them up," Besse said. "The Rescue Mission now has a facility that will help them reach scores more individuals."
Others showed their appreciation for the bike patrol, including several downtown-business owners who contributed to the reception. Refreshments were provided by Gena Knighten, who owns Chelsee's Coffee Shop & More on Trade Street, and Souphab Daoheang, the owner of Downtown Thai on Fourth Street. Imagine Flowers donated centerpieces for the tables of food.
One of the most popular spots in the atrium was Alex Prada's gelato cart. Prada, the owner of Caffe Prada at Fourth and Broad Streets, called the bike patrol "fantastic" and said that when he closes his business at 10 p.m., he often looks out his window and sees one of the officers. "They make me feel very safe," he said.
Sharon Nelson, the executive director of Associated Artists of Winston-Salem, said that Williams stopped by the gallery earlier in the day to ask about an art show reception the week before. He reported that he had checked on the crowd a couple of times during the night. "They keep a really close eye on us," Nelson said. "We love the bike patrol."
■ Have a social or charity activity that you would like Scene & Heard to share with Journal readers? E-mail features@wsjournal.com and type "Scene" in the subject line or call 727-7339. You may contact Leigh Somerville McMillan directly by e-mail at leigh@studiomcmillan.com.
Email
Print
ADVERTISEMENT
See community events or add your own! Click here!
Advertisement
