To address growing safety concerns along a Monongahela River rail-trail, Morgantown police are reinstating a bike patrol all but disbanded in 2003.

Chief Phil Scott says a shortage of officers cut the patrol down to just one person.

He said Thursday he's still short-staffed but is assigning four officers to work a new patrol.

They will focus on the Riverfront Park and Rail Trail, where residents and community groups have been complaining about safety.

The patrol begins in April, with a concentration on evenings, weekends and holidays

Scott says he believes the areas are safe, but perception is important.

The presence of uniformed officers will help people feel safer and will improve the department's contact with residents and visitors.

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