Forest Preserves Police takes patrols to the trails

A flash of blue moves between the trees, but it’s not on the wings of a blue jay or an eastern bluebird. Instead, it’s on the pedals and rubber tires of a bicycle. On a quiet stretch of the North Branch Trail, forest preserves police officers roll into view, ready and happy to help with a flat tire or a simple question.

Bike patrols in the Forest Preserves of Cook County bring officers out of their patrol cars and into the landscape where people walk, ride and explore, creating a visible presence that is both approachable and effective. For many visitors, it is a surprise to see them at all.

“People really enjoy seeing us. It’s kind of like that element of surprise,” says Officer Maria Devogelear. “They’re not used to us being out on the trail. So, it’s good for them to see us so that they know that we’re there.”

Unlike traditional patrols, bike units move at the same pace as the public. Officers typically travel around 20 miles on the trail any given day, often covering areas that are difficult to access by vehicle, while staying close enough to stop and talk to trail users, answering questions or offering help. Officer Perry Kalogeris says the goal is almost simple: “To patrol the trails of the forest preserves to make sure everybody is safe, enjoying themselves and having a good time.”

That presence matters. Many visitors come to the preserves for solitude, but safety remains a shared responsibility. Bike patrol officers help reinforce trail etiquette, reminding bikers to yield to pedestrians, for example, or keeping speeds in check.

“E-bikes (speeds) are definitely an issue that people have, because some of them can go over 15 miles an hour,” Devogelear says. “Anything that can go above the speed limit is a risk for the public, so it’s very important that people are using this equipment safely.”

Beyond enforcement, the job is rooted in connection. Officers are often the first point of contact when someone needs assistance, whether it is a question about directions or help with a broken bike miles from a trailhead.

“You get your regulars that you see all the time,” Devogelear says. “If they feel comfortable reporting things to us, then it allows us to do our job better.”

Kalogeris echoes that sentiment, noting that even simple moments can make a difference. “We want to engage with the public. We want to talk to the public and assist them in any way we can.”

Like the bike routes, Forest Preserves Police patrols on foot, ATVs, snowmobiles and other specialized equipment offers a different perspective on policing. Officers are not just responding to calls. They are part of the daily rhythm of the forest preserves, alongside families, commuters and nature lovers. That shared space creates opportunities for positive engagement that can be harder to achieve from inside a car.

“I enjoy being on the bicycle,” Devogelear says. “It’s a lot of fun, but it’s also very important to be seen by the public.”