Editorial blog: The two-wheel solution to finding distracted drivers

Fifteen years have gone by since Wichita police officers patrolled the city on motorcycles. We’ve missed Jon and Ponch.

A new set of motorcycle officers is scheduled to debut on Wichita streets as soon as late this year, with the aim of cracking down on the changing — and often dangerous — ways we drive.

The new unit will undoubtedly increase the number of speeding tickets issued by the department, but there’s a more important safety component: Cracking down on distracted drivers, including texters. (If you’re reading this on your phone as you’re driving, thanks but PUT THE PHONE DOWN.)

Lt. Jeff Allen, the head of the new traffic bureau, said studies show a correlation between more traffic citations leading to safer streets. Motorcycle officers will increase the number of citations, which have been reduced steadily in recent years.

So watch out at West Kellogg construction, where it’s hard for a patrol car to catch speeders. Not as hard for a motorcycle officer to find a spot in tight areas to nab ’em.

“Motorcycles can get places that patrol cars can’t,” Allen said.

Speeders and distracted drivers, you’ve been warned. Eyes up, please.

This story was originally published June 29, 2017 at 12:44 PM with the headline "Editorial blog: The two-wheel solution to finding distracted drivers."