GOP CONVENTION | Cleveland police are relying heavily on bike patrols at RNC

CLEVELAND (AP) — Cleveland police trying to keep protests from turning violent during the Republican convention are relying heavily on officers on bikes, who are not only more maneuverable but are seen as friendlier and less intimidating.

Cleveland Police Chief Calvin Williams said the city bought 300 bicycles for the event on the advice of the police in Charlotte, N.C., which hosted the 2012 Democratic National Convention.

He said officers on loan from more than a dozen police departments are on bike patrol in the city.

"Getting around town is a lot easier and a lot faster," Williams said. "The tactics they use for crowd management and to monitor and assist for protests, you can't do it on foot, can't do it in vehicles."

The bikes also offer a less tangible benefit: making officers more approachable.

"The bicycle breaks down all kinds of barriers," said Maureen Becker, executive director of the International Police Mountain Bike Association. "It's a catalyst for conversation. It is less intimidating than some other types of vehicles. And most people can relate in some way shape form to being on a bicycle."

Tensions between police and the public have been running high over the past two weeks. Two black men were shot to death by police in Louisiana and Minnesota, and eight officers were killed in two ambushes in Dallas and Baton Rouge, La. Many officers are on edge.