Bicycle, "Trooper Mike the Talking Bike"
Object number2008.159.01
Dateca 1975
MediumMetal, plastic, rubber, paint
Dimensions31 1/2 x 49 in. (80 x 124.5 cm)
Credit LineOld State House Museum Collection
DescriptionAn educational tool used by the Arkansas State Police known as "Trooper Mike the Talking Bike".Trooper Mike the Talking Bike was originally constructed by Sergeant Jerry Reinold after attending the Uniformed Safety Officer's Workshop held in Chicago, Illinois, in 1972. He was inspired by the meeting and obtained permission from Colonel Bill Miller to form a similar program in Arkansas.
The Trooper Mike program consisted of a bicycle donated by AMF Cycle of Little Rock that was painted by Tom Reinold while Sergeant Reinhold installed the light and wiring for the speakers. The bike "talked" to students via a tape recorder that was placed in the saddlebags as the light blinked along with the recorded message. The students who attended the safety program were issued "Deputy Trooper" badges and participated in the Trooper Mike letter exchange. After the programs were conducted at the schools, students and teachers would write a letter to the Public Information Office in Little Rock, Arkansas, with their contact information included. Then, after receiving the letters, the office would have Trooper Mike "send" a letter to each student. Over a three year period, the Arkansas State Police safety officers averaged 300 programs per year with Sergeant Reinold conducting over 800 of those safety programs, contacted roughly 50,000-75,000 students, and distributed more than 150,000 badges. Trooper Mike the Talking Bike also appeared on numerous television programs to promote bicycle safety to Arkansas children.
Status
Not on view
