Key Biscayne Police
Traffic Safety Our Priority
Safe travel through our streets is essential to maintain the quality of life within our Island Paradise.
Traffic safety is a top priority for our agency and for all those who live and visit the Village of Key Biscayne. Ensuring smooth, safe travel through our streets is essential to maintain the quality of life within our Village. To meet this critical need, our agency has incorporated a Motor Unit whose mission is traffic education and enforcement.
Becoming a motor officer is no easy feat. Any officer who desires to join the motor unit must first obtain a motorcycle endorsement on their Florida Driver’s License. Once they have satisfied the Florida State requirements and tests to operate a motorcycle, they are then required to attend a police motorcycle course. The course is a rigorous two-week training program that teaches and tests riders’ abilities and skills.
Throughout the training course, officers endure daily training sessions, working on their skills to maneuver and balance a 900-pound motorcycle through extremely tight courses. Cones are arranged in figure eights and various other patterns, forcing riders to expertly navigate without colliding with the cones or dropping the motorcycle. Key Biscayne Motor Unit Commander Brian Kemmerer, who holds a motor certification, noted, “the training is as mentally demanding as it is physically challenging, and not every participant makes it to the end.” He has witnessed individuals in his class who were unable to finish the course due to either mental or physical limitations.
The KBPD takes immense pride in our current Motor Unit, which includes Officer Oscar Gonzalez and Officer Flavio Solano, who is the latest graduate of the motor school. Both officers have successfully completed the program and earned their “wings,” which they wear on their uniforms as a testament to their commitment and expertise in serving the community. While there are other officers certified to operate motorcycles, only these two are actively involved in the unit at this time.
Our agency frequently receives traffic complaints throughout the Village. When traffic complaints arise, the first responders are typically the Motor Unit. Their reduced visibility compared to a police car enables them to assess and tackle the situation more effectively. Generally, when drivers notice a police vehicle, they tend to follow the rules. In contrast, the smaller and more discreet motorcycle can catch more violations than an officer in a marked car. Their presence alone often serves as a deterrent to further violations, helping motorists follow the law. Additionally, the Motor Unit collects valuable data that aids in developing long-term solutions for persistent traffic challenges.
Due to the unique access via Rickenbacker Causeway to and from the Village, traffic issues have consistently been a major priority for both our staff and the community. With numerous festivals, concerts, and events drawing large crowds to Key Biscayne for its beautiful scenery, inviting atmosphere, and prime location, it has become a source of frustration for residents and visitors seeking to get to and from the mainland. A key strength of our Motor Unit lies in their capability to navigate congested areas swiftly and efficiently using the motorcycles. This enables them to reach traffic concern areas quickly, allowing them to assist in restoring traffic flow.
Their achievements illustrate the commitment and perseverance required to excel in their roles, and it sets a high standard for future members of the Motor Unit. Year to date, the Motor Unit members’ traffic enforcement has yielded 285 Traffic Citations and 106 Written Warnings. The presence of skilled officers like them on our streets not only enhances the efficiency of traffic management but also promotes a safer environment for all. In addition to enforcement, our Motor Unit places a strong emphasis on education. By engaging with the community, we aim to raise awareness about road safety and encourage responsible driving behaviors. These initiatives foster a sense of shared responsibility among residents and visitors, which is crucial for reducing accidents and improving overall traffic flow. As we continue to innovate and expand our strategies, community feedback remains invaluable. We encourage residents to share their concerns and suggestions, as collaborative efforts are key to creating a safer Key Biscayne. Together, we can ensure that we remain a safe, vibrant, and welcoming place for everyone.
