American Police Motorcycles

Book excerpt: Police officers have used motorcycles since the early 20th century primarily for the enforcement of traffic laws and as escort vehicles Harley-Davidson says Detroit, Michigan as being the first purchaser of police motorcycles in 1908. Evanston, Illinois also started using motor cyles in 1908, and the Portland Police Bureau had a police officer who used his personal motorcycle to patrol the city as early as 1909. The maneuverability of the motorcycle on crowded streets offer advantages that larger, more traditional police vehicles do not have. Motorcycles can access routes unavailable to other motor vehicles, such as narrow streets and footpaths. Police motorcycles are also used in police escorts for parades, funeral processions, motorcades, Olympic torch relays, and other events. We honor all service members on Memorial Day (last Monday of May) and hope you will enjoy our selection of photos.