A fleet of 10 zero-emission electric bicycles was donated to the Atlantic City Police Department on Monday, thanks to a gift primarily from Ocean Wind 1.
The bikes, which will be incorporated into policing activities, were unveiled by Police Chief James Sarkos.
Maddy Urbish, head of government affairs and market strategy for Ørsted in New Jersey, said the company was thrilled to be able to make an impact.
“We salute the work of the members of the Atlantic City Police Department, and we are so pleased to present these e-bikes to introduce a clean energy concept that helps power the officers’ important work in the community,” she said. “Some of the best and most effective initiatives start the way this one did — through partnerships and creative approaches to getting the job done.”
Ørsted and Public Service Enterprise Group are building Ocean Wind 1, the state’s first offshore wind farm, off the southern coast of New Jersey. Ørsted is also building an operations and maintenance facility in Atlantic City, as part of its commitment to helping diversify the city’s economic base while preparing offshore wind job training, development and employment opportunities here.
Jingoli CEO Joe Jingoli and Edgewood Properties CEO Jack Morris, the co-owners of Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City, brought the idea to Ocean Wind 1 following a conversation with Sarkos.
“Anything we as corporate citizens can do to offer ideas or assistance to our police, we should do,” the pair said in a statement. “When this need arose, we immediately turned to Maddy Urbish for help, given Ørsted and PSEG’s commitment to Atlantic City and sustainability, and she jumped in with two feet, offering to donate the e-bikes to the Atlantic City Police Foundation.”
Ocean Wind 1 donated nine e-bikes with Ocean City-based retailer Pedego donating one, for a total of 10.
Sarkos said the department was appreciative.
“Partnerships between the public and private sector like this are an important part of our community and made possible through the Atlantic City Police Foundation,” he said. “Any tool that can help us better connect with residents and serve the needs of the city, I’m open to.
“I envision the bikes will be used within the community, on the Boardwalk, on the beach and anywhere greater accessibility is needed.”
Atlantic City Mayor Marty Small also was pleased.
“This is community partnership at its best,” he said. “We have an aggressive clean-and-safe agenda here in the great city of Atlantic City, and this creative idea, put into action by the Ocean Wind 1 team, offers a unique clean energy solution that will give our police officers another tool to protect our residents and visitors alike. We appreciate this donation.”
