Yonkers police have a new e-bike to help enhance community policing and help response time. 

Capt. Richard Alaimo is using the e-bike to patrol downtown Yonkers. 

"Bicycle patrol is an integral part of community policing," he says. 

Enhancing community policing is a goal for Yonkers police, says Commissioner Chris Sapienza.

"For the community to see you when things don't go badly to see you all the time just to be out there interacting with them," says Sapienza.

The $4,500 electric bike was donated to the department by the Yonkers Downtown/Waterfront Business Improvement District.

It comes a year after the department began using two lighter e-bikes in the 4th Precinct of downtown Yonkers.The growing fleet is meant to help make patrols more efficient, effective and environmentally friendly.

Another benefit is that e-bikes can reach speeds of up to 30 mph and can maneuver through tight spaces, but most importantly, the bikes put police face-to-face with members of the community.