Chief Constable Steve Pilkington will be wired for sound – and vision – when he embarks on the first stage of his “tour de force” charity bike ride at the end of the week.
Mr Pilkington is bidding to cycle 350 miles over the seven-day ride – starting on Friday December 17 – through the Avon and Somerset force area for Babe’s Big Appeal.
And he will be wired up with the latest technology to enable people to follow his progress on the police website.
The “Chief Cam” will enable live pictorial coverage of the ride to be screened on to the web site, which will carry an stage-by-stage report of progress of the ride, which sets off from police headquarters at 10am on Friday (December 17).
The ride is being held to mark Mr Pilkington’s retirement from the police after 32 years and brings into play the latest technological advances.
Those logging on to the web site will be able to track the progress of the ride on a special electronic map and see live pictures of the pedalling police chief.
Internet manager Scott Fulton said: “Using the Chief Cam is yet another exciting development of our web site, which is widely regarded as one of the best police sites in England and Wales. We are trialing this equipment for wider use and to promote the website.
“We hope by carrying live pictures and regular reports from those on the ride that we’ll be able to provide daily coverage of the ride and raise awareness of the good cause.” said Scott.
Mr Pilkington hopes to raise £50,000 for Babe’s Big Appeal, which is raising funds to provide a new children’s hospice at Charlton Farm, Wraxall.
He plans to cover 350 miles over seven days, breaking each day into a series of legs, during which he will be accompanied by a number of colleagues and friends. At the end of the weeklong event he will have visited more than 50 police premises in the Avon and Somerset Constabulary area, which represents seven more than existed when he arrived in 1998.
“I have been overwhelmed by the support pledged so far, both in terms of monies pledged and those actually taking part on the actual ride,” said Mr Pilkington.
Mr Pilkington acknowledged that he will face a stiff challenge, covering more than 300 miles at the worst time of year.
“It really is a tough personal challenge for me as I hate bikes but it will provide me with a positive focus during my last few weeks with the force. I am confident of being able to give a sizeable sum to this most worthy of causes.
The ride itself will finish on December 23 at headquarters, where the Chief Constable will be joined by colleagues, for a short symbolic ride to the site of the new hospice in Wraxall.
Anyone interested in sponsoring the Chief Constable can contact Anita Smith or Jacqui Elmer on 0845 456 7000.
