Lake Villa police hope cool bike starts conversations with residents

It's hard to tell if it's a motorcycle, snowmobile or an ATV.

Whatever it is, it has Lake Villa residents talking among each other - and to police. The Can-Am Spyder is officially listed as a motorcycle, but Sgt. Chris Pryde, an avid biker, said the vehicle obtained last week by the police department rides more like a snowmobile.

"It's one of the safest motorcycles I've ever been on," he said, demonstrating how the machine won't tip over because of its three-wheel design. "And, it looks very cool. It makes people stop and take notice."

It will be on display during Hainesville's National Night Out event today, 7 to 9 p.m., at Union Square Park on Haines Road, Pryde said.

The vehicle, which features two wheels in front and one large wheel in the rear, is being used by Lake Villa police as a way to close the gap between police and citizens.

When people see the Spyder, they inevitably come over and talk to the police officer, Pryde said, which breaks down the communication barriers with the community.

"It opens the department up to the people who live here in Lake Villa," Lt. Dennis Geraty said. "It's been happening since we got it. People see it, walk over and strike up a conversation with officers, Then, they start talking about other things."

Not only is the bike cool to look at, Dep. Chief Roger Schroeder said, but it is also a fully functional police vehicle.

Emergency police lights are mounted on the side of the Spyder, and a siren has been installed as required in police vehicles. It can go from 0 to 60 mph in 4.2 seconds.

"We are policemen, so if we need it, we can use it for traffic stops and other incidents," Pryde said. "It will respond to calls and we will make a stop with it if we need to."

The machine retails for $15,000, said Ted Nielsen, owner of Nielsen Enterprises. However, he said he brokered a deal between police and the manufacturer to use it through a test program. The police department will have the opportunity to purchase the Spyder when the test program ends in three years.

"We have a great department in that they are very committed to the community," Nielsen said. "This will help them get out and closer to the community."

The Spyder will save money on gas, Pryde said.

"A squad car only gets 10 miles a gallon, but this gets 30," he said. "But, this is really a conversation starter. It's really designed to break down the barriers between a police officer and the community that a squad car creates."