London Search and Rescue adds electric-assist bikes to its missions
Some key additions have been made to the gear used by London Search and Rescue (LSAR).
Commander Jamie Walls says two electric-assist, all-terrain bicycles will enhance their ability to assist in search efforts, calling it a game-changer, telling CTV News London, "It helps us respond and complete tasks quicker. It helps us get equipment out to team that are already in the field."
LSAR was formed 20 years ago and is an entirely volunteer based, not-for-profit agency with about 80 members.
They've been involved in numerous high-profile searches in the region, including a successful search for a 3-year-old near Norwich, Ont. in September of 2015.
Walls says they considered traditional pedal bikes but those bikes had a downside that electric-assist helps address.
"They're already out of breath from the bike ride; with the electric assist they can still have the reserve energy necessary to complete whatever needs to be done on the far side of the ride,” adds Walls.
Two electric-assist, all-terrain bicycles will enhance the ability of London Search and Rescue to assist in search efforts. (Gerry Dewan/CTV News London)
There are numerous locations in and around the city where even a small, four-wheel drive vehicle can’t access. He says the bikes could be a difference maker when it comes to getting into a remote location, locating someone and getting them the help that they need in a timely fashion.
Walls says it's all about applying the right resource to the right task.
“Sometimes that right resource is two feet and a heartbeat, sometimes it's a bike, sometimes it's a quad,” he says.
The bikes, which travel at over 30 kilometres an hour, were selected after LSAR leadership consulted with staff at bike specialists "To Wheels" located downtown London, Ont.
The "To Wheels" staff also recommended ways to outfit the bikes to easily carry repair kits, first aid supplies and even a defibrillator. The entire set-up for the two bikes cost almost $11,000.
Wall says $10,000 was donated by Lutheran Social Services London, saying, "They seemed to immediately understand that this was a fantastic resource for the city and southwestern Ontario to have."
Wells says LSAR takes its direction from first responders leading search efforts and will utilized the bikes where requested.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Several flight attendants from Pakistan have gone missing after landing in Canada
Multiple flight attendants from Pakistan International Airlines have abandoned their jobs and are believed to have sought asylum in Canada in the past year and a half, a spokesperson for the government-owned airline says.
BREAKING Ottawa public school board, 3 Toronto-area school boards launch lawsuit against social media giants
The Ottawa-Carleton District School Board and three school boards in the Toronto-area have launched legal action against social media giants, accusing them of "disrupting students' fundamental right to education."
Doctors visiting a Gaza hospital are stunned by the war's toll on Palestinian children
An international team of doctors visiting a hospital in central Gaza was prepared for the worst. But the gruesome impact Israel’s war against Hamas is having on Palestinian children still left them stunned.
Crypt near Marilyn Monroe and Hugh Hefner could fetch US$400,000 at auction
A one-space mausoleum crypt in the vicinity of Marilyn Monroe and Hugh Hefner will go on auction Saturday, when it is expected to reach between US$200,000 and $400,000.
This Toronto restaurant is no longer accepting tips. Here's how it's going
A Toronto restaurant introduced a surprising new rule that reduced the cost of a meal and raised the salaries of staff – tipping is no longer accepted.
A Nigerian woman reviewed some tomato puree online. Now she faces jail
A Nigerian woman who wrote an online review of a can of tomato puree is facing imprisonment after its manufacturer accused her of making a “malicious allegation” that damaged its business.
Premiers not being truthful about carbon tax, Trudeau says while sparks fly in Ottawa
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says Conservative premiers across the country are 'not telling the truth' when it comes to the carbon tax. Trudeau's comments came as fresh sparks were flying in Ottawa at a recalled House of Commons committee.
Far North police 'dispatch' polar bear stalking schoolyard
Police and local hunters in an Ontario Far North First Nation community have “dispatched” a polar that was showing abnormal behaviour and treating the area as a hunting ground.
What new auto insurance reforms will mean for Ontarians, if they get introduced
Ontario has among the highest rates for auto insurance premiums in Canada -- just below Alberta and Nova Scotia -- however, the introduction of an insurance reform in the provincial budget could soon lower prices.