POLICE officers at Stansted Airport are set to get on their bikes following the local launch of a cycling operation. Operation Velo, a countywide initiative, will see officers going back to traditional policing with a significant increase in the amount

POLICE officers at Stansted Airport are set to 'get on their bikes' following the local launch of a cycling operation.

Operation Velo, a countywide initiative, will see officers going back to traditional policing with a significant increase in the amount of officers out on patrol on police bicycles.

The launch was held today (Thursday July 9) outside of the airport terminal. Local officers on their bikes were joined by representatives from BAA.

Together they told passengers and staff about the operation and offered advice on bicycle safety and security.

Inspector Ian Coleman of the Stansted Airport Neighbourhood Policing Team believes that this will have a great impact on the Airport.

"We have had a really good response from the people we have spoken to at the launch today. Everyone seems really pleased to see us going back to how policing used to be," he said.

"Officers will be on their bikes, visibly patrolling our roads around the whole Airport complex.

"The bikes will also allow us to respond quicker to incidents than if we were on foot as well as providing us with an excellent way of supporting our colleagues."

Over the last three years, Essex Police has increased its number of bicycles to 200 and 300 officers are already fully trained to ride bikes safely. During the operation, another 100 officers will be trained.