For the first time in more than 20 years, Moon Township Police will soon begin using bikes to patrol a portion of the Montour Trail.
The move, set to begin on the Fourth of July, comes more than eight months after a fatal stabbing on the trail, though officials have not confirmed a direct link between that incident and the decision to launch the new bike patrol.
On Oct. 21, 2024, 44‑year‑old Benjamin Brallier, a Pennsylvania State Police liquor enforcement officer, was fatally stabbed while jogging near Hassam Road on the Montour Trail. Anthony Quesen was arrested and charged with criminal homicide.
Quesen is in custody at an undisclosed location and is scheduled to have his preliminary hearing on July 11 to determine if his case will proceed to trial.
Moon police Lt. Shener Ulke declined to attribute the department’s new program directly to last year’s homicide, saying that plans for a bike patrol have been in the works for years.
In early 2024, Moon police purchased a $1,100 fully equipped police mountain bike and sent an officer to a weeklong training at the International Police Mountain Bike Association. They purchased two additional bikes in January 2025 for $2,500.
Those bikes will be put to use beginning Friday, July 4, as uniformed officers will patrol the trail between mile markers 0 and 5, which runs through several municipalities, as well as Moon Park during special events.
The Montour Trail is the country’s longest privately-owned suburban rail-trail. The main line is 47 miles and branch routes increase the length to more than 60 miles. The scheduled trail and park patrols aim to enhance public safety without disrupting the quiet and serenity of the Montour Trail.
Ulke said bike patrols can “access more remote or rugged areas not accessible by car.”
Julian Wolfe, Montour Trail Council president, supports the return of police presence to the trail and believes trail users will appreciate the extra security.
“We take the safety of our trail and its users very seriously,” he said. “While there are occasional incidents, we know they are not reflective of the overall experience.
“Our trail remains a safe and welcoming environment, and we’re proud that the Montour Trail is considered a premier trail in the state, enjoyed by thousands of families, cyclists, walkers, runners and others each year.”
Ulke said the bike patrols can be mutually beneficial.
“It provides a police officer with healthy and pleasant alternative to vehicle patrol,” he said, “while making the officer more easily approachable for the public.”
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