Published on Tuesday, April 3, 2007
in the Palm Beach Post

Speeders: Beware of Troopers On Bikes

In response to a spike in crashes on I-95 due to speeding and aggressive driving, the Florida Highway Patrol has added a four-man motorcycle squad to its arsenal.

The team, part of Troop L based in Lantana, made its debut a few weeks ago during the statewide Operation Safe Ride crackdown and will be used extensively during the new Enhanced Penalty Zone program.

For those who still haven’t heard, the state is conducting a pilot program on I-95 to see if higher fines may be the answer to the speeding epidemic.

One of three “zones” is in Palm Beach County, on the six-mile stretch south of Gateway Boulevard. Beginning May 1, anyone stopped for speeding in this area will have an extra $50 tacked onto the ticket.

So far, the motor squad has more than proven its worth, FHP Lt. Tim Frith said. In many instances, the cycle-riding troopers are even more covert than the FHP’s unmarked cars.

“Violators just don’t see them like they do the standard black-and-yellow patrol cars,” Frith said.

The motorcycles are especially useful in the congested construction zones, getting to crash scenes faster.

“The fact of the matter is we get caught up in gridlock too,” Frith said.

The motorcycle squad also has been working with the sheriff’s office on special details to nab red-light runners at major intersections.