COMMUNITY
Public Safety Continued
required 4 foot safety gap around the cyclist. In order to pass
safely, a driver must do so when they are able to legally and safely
enter the opposing lane of travel. Failing to do so often results in
the cyclist being forced off the roadway or coming dangerously
close to the passing vehicle. In turn, a cyclist is required to
operate in the right most third of the lane of travel to allow
vehicles to pass when safe to do so. A cyclist traveling along the
right side of the roadway should be treated just as any slower
moving vehicle would.
Conversely, it is important for cyclists to remember that they are
required to follow the same rules that govern motor vehicle traffic.
This means a cyclist must obey all traffic signals, lane directional
restrictions, and duties to yield amongst others. While it may
be tempting to maintain momentum and coast through a stop
sign because a cyclist believes they have clearance to do so, it is
not permitted and carries the same penalties as doing so in an
automobile. A cyclist who operates while intoxicated may even
be charged under Pennsylvania’s laws concerning driving under
the influence; it is safe for neither the cyclist nor motorists around
them.
A basic understanding of the law and courtesy toward fellow
travelers will go far in preventing dangerous situations and easing
tensions for both cyclists and motorists. Working together we can
make our streets a safer place for everyone to use.
YOUR ROSS POLICE BICYCLE
PATROL DIVISION
Since its inception, The Ross Township Police Department Bicycle
Patrol Division has generated a favorable response from our
citizens. The police bicycle unit offers a number of advantages
to traditional patrol methods. The maneuverability of a bicycle
allows access to places during patrol which would not ordinarily
be visible to a vehicle patrol while still allowing a much quicker
response and greater range than an officer walking a beat. The
silent operation and stealth gives officers the opportunity to
surveil areas without detection. And perhaps most importantly,
the approachable nature of a bicycle patrol allows our bike
officers to interact with the community while patrolling
neighborhoods and business districts. The division is currently
comprised of 7 officers.
Sergeant William Barrett, the unit’s supervisor, is a 23 year veteran
of the department. Prior to serving in the Bike Unit he has led the
department’s Detective Division and worked as a K9 and Crime
Prevention Officer.
Officer Robert Farina has been with RPD for 8 years, prior to that
he was employed as a Police Officer for both the University of
Pittsburgh Police and Ohio Township Police. He also serves as a
Field Training Officer.
Officer Balazs Devenyi, a 7 year veteran, in addition to patrol is
assigned to the drug task force, and previously worked with the
McKees Rocks Police Department.
Officer Jon Killmeyer, also a 7 year veteran, is assigned to the
afternoon patrol division and had previously worked for the City
of Pittsburgh and Oakmont Police Departments.
Officer Dean Chiaramonte, who is assigned to the midnight shift,
serves as a Field Training Officer, and is a member of the North
Hills Special Response Team. Officer Chiaramonte previously
worked for the Borough of Etna and as 911 Communications
Operator.
Officer Matthew Immekus serves as an instructor for the
International Police Mountain Bike Association and in addition
to certifying our officers has trained many officers from other
local police departments. Officer Immekus came to Ross
after previously working for Brentwood Police and the City of
Pittsburgh Police Department.
Officer Mark Sullivan is a 5 year veteran of the Ross Police
Department. Mark is assigned to the afternoon patrol division
and additionally is an administrator for the department’s
Information and Technology Section. Officer Sullivan previously
was employed as a Police Officer for the City of Pittsburgh.
> For More Information on Bike Safety
http://www.penndot.gov/TravelInPA/RideaBike/Pages/Bicycle-
Safety-and-Pennsylvania-Laws.aspx
http://www.bikeleague.org/ridesmart
ROSS TOWNSHIP POLICE
DEPARTMENT SPECIAL PROGRAMS
DIVISION TRAFFIC DIVISION
The Ross Township Police Special Programs Division will be
sponsoring or participating in the following events over the
summer month.
The Ross Township Police Department in cooperation with the
Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office will sponsor a Community
Crime Prevention Meeting.
Thursday, August 17, 7:30 pm
Crime Prevention Meeting
The main focus of this meeting is drugs (Specifically Opioids). For
those of you with teenage children, please bring them.
44 Ross Township