from EMC News - The Gananoque Police Service (GPS) has been presented with a magnificent, gleaming white Harley-Davidson Police motorcycle as a gift for use for the summer by Deeley Harley-Davidson Canada. 
“The motorcycle will be very visible at all town events and gatherings to promote the connection between our Police Service, the community and our visiting tourists with the added bonus of creating photo opportunities for young and old alike in our scenic town,” says Gananoque Police Chief Kai Liu.
Gananoque hosts several successful town events, including the River Rat Motorcycle Rally, Canada Day weekend activities and the Lions Club and Rotary Club Ribfest. In recognition of the town business community’s efforts to attract more motorcycle enthusiasts and riders, Deeley Harley-Davidson Canada came forward in time for Pirate Week by donating a police motorcycle to the GPS at no cost for the summer season.
Officers have already been selected and are eager to trade their more mundane four-wheeled vehicles for a chance to use the bike.
“We are trying to place Gananoque on the map as a welcoming motorcycle-friendly destination,” says Kathrine Christensen, Executive Director of the Thousand Islands Accommodation Partners (TIAP). “We already actively market to the Upscale Adventurers and Retired Roamers, both of whom belong to the high end motorcycling demographic. This is a (group) that all tourism areas are seeking, but Gananoque will definitely receive an added boost as seeing police officers on a motorcycle while encouraging traffic safety will certainly magnify our efforts. We are absolutely delighted with this timely help from our local police service in our tourism promotion efforts. A police officer on a Harley will certainly convey a positive motorcycle friendly message to any visiting tourist.”
Jo-Anne Farquhar, Director of Communications for the Motorcycle & Moped Industry Council, agrees.
“Ontario motorcycle riders will tell you that this province is one of the best destinations for motorcycle touring. You can choose to cruise along Ontario’s highways or take a leisurely tour through its scenic back roads. With over 13,855 new motorcycles sold in Ontario in 2010 and a total of 200,810 motorcycles registered in Ontario in 2009, it’s great to know that Gananoque is a welcoming motorcycle friendly destination.”
Having made its first public appearance at the pirate celebrations in Town Park, the new Harley has already made a hit with children and adults alike. Pirates of all ages were eager to get a chance to come up, look at it, talk to the officers, and just generally get to know more about it.
“Community based policing is working closely with our community partners,” Chief Liu says. “Today we have officers conducting foot patrols, riding bicycles and driving motor vehicles. This motorcycle will assist officers to connect with the motorcycling community and place them closer with the community we serve. As a town stakeholder, the police service has an important role in making our town the destination place for all. Traffic safety is one of our key priorities, I foresee many (great) educational opportunities for a motorcycle officer while visiting public events, schools and service clubs. With high gasoline prices, I am also looking forward to seeing the fuel savings from this alternative police vehicle.”
