KINGSTON, R.I. – July 29, 2026 – Motorcycles have been added to the University of Rhode Island Department of Public Safety’s fleet of vehicles for the first time. The two brand new motorcycles, purchased from Russ’ Ocean State Harley-Davidson, will enable officers to respond to issues in parts of the campus that are difficult for police cruisers to access.

“The motorcycles will help officers get to emergencies more efficiently, especially when traffic is congested, or if there is an emergency in areas that traditional vehicles cannot easily access,” said URI Chief of Police and Assistant Vice President of Public Safety Michael Jagoda.

All officers will be required to take extensive operational training and obtain a motorcycle license before using the vehicles.

URI Vice President for Administration and Finance Abby Benson was instrumental in securing the motorcycles through the University’s bid and procurement processes.

“The addition of two police motorcycles represents a strategic investment in enhanced campus safety and community engagement,” said Benson. “Besides enabling our officers to reach areas where traditional patrol vehicles cannot, the motorcycles will strengthen the officers’ visibility, giving them an approachable presence that defines URI’s community policing.”

According to Jagoda, the motorcycles will also play an important role in URI’s traffic safety initiatives and education related to distracted driving, pedestrian safety, and speed enforcement.

Perhaps most importantly, the new vehicles have the potential to quicken emergency response time, especially on alternative roadways.