COLUMBUS -- A recent gift of two Honda Helix motorcycles to the Ohio State University Police Department from Honda of America Manufacturing Inc. will allow officers to better navigate the university, therefore enhancing the safety of students, faculty and staff.

Scooters have been used on the Columbus campus for several years, with the first Helix being used by officers last year, said John Kleberg, assistant vice president for public safety.

"Mobility is very important for our officers. It's also important for them to get involved in daily activities within the university community," Kleberg said. "Increased accessibility of officers while riding the Helix has proven to be ideal in the campus environment and helps break down some of the natural barriers created by closed patrol cars."

Honda was particularly interested in helping, said Kathy Jones, senior vice president for Honda.

"Honda's donation of two Helixes to Ohio State's crime prevention initiative makes perfect sense because safety is important to Honda both in the workplace and in the community," Jones said. "Honda is committed to education as well, and we're pleased by this opportunity to continue our long history of partnering with Ohio State."

Many officers have already expressed interested in riding the motorcycles, said Chief of Police Ron Michalec.

"The motorcycles have exceptional value during crowded campus events, football games and similar activities when mobility and quick response in cars is severely restricted," he said. "Students also seem to like the Helixes, and often stop and talk with officers about the them."

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(LO)