Iqaluit (July 14/03) - The Iqaluit RCMP will be out in the community more than ever this summer.

They're starting the first ever Sky-Rider program in Nunavut and will be patrolling the city on bicycles.

Program manager Cst. Wilfred Jephson said the bike program will make RCMP more approachable--especially by children.

"We want to draw a closer bond with the younger generation of Iqaluit," said

Jephson.

"If we can get along with the children now, we won't have the problems in 20 years that we have now."

Five students will be hired to help with Sky-Rider, Jephson said.

"Two of them will go on patrols with members; two will be spending the day with the kids in the community organizing safety parades or bike rodeos. One will be working in the office." Steve Allen, 18, was the first hired. He started work on July 7 and spent the day putting the new bicycles together.

"This is a chance to work along side with the RCMP and is a step in the door," said Allen, who wants a career in law enforcement.

As part of the program, police will be engraving bikes with serial numbers and keeping a register. They hope the effort will cut down on theft.

Jephson wants to begin bike patrols this month and run them every day until the end of August.

Any students interested in a position on the Sky-Rider team can drop off a resume at the Iqaluit detachment's front counter.