Bike designed to rev up image of police

Tom Spender

• Last Updated: May 30. 2009 5:47PM UAE / May 30. 2009 1:47PM GMT

ABU DHABI // More than 1,000 people showed up at the unveiling of a unique “chopper” motorcycle made especially for the Abu Dhabi Police by a US TV star.

Police hope interest in the bright-red and chrome Falcon chopper, emblazoned with the Abu Dhabi Police logo and equipped with a siren, flashing lights and a baton holster, will help them build closer relationships with Emirati youth. Officials plan to take it on road shows around the emirate.

The unusual bike was designed by Paul Teutul Sr, whose custom motorcycle firm, Orange County Choppers, is the subject of a popular Discovery Channel TV series shown in 160 countries worldwide. “Paul Senior” travelled to Abu Dhabi to hand the chopper over at the National Exhibition Centre, and the event was filmed for his show.

“Work like this is part of being in the position we are in, which makes us able to give something back,” said Teutul, whose moustache, heavily muscled arms and tattoos have made him an instantly recognisable celebrity.

Lt Majid al Marzouqi of the Abu Dhabi Police said he hoped the chopper would help police bond with the public.

“We got more than 1,000 people at the launch, so it really worked,” he said. “This is just part of what Abu Dhabi Police are doing. We are very close to the community, and this is one way of getting even closer.”

Crowds of Emiratis and expatriate families attended the event on Thursday night, keen to see Teutul and photograph the one-of-a-kind bike.

“It is a beautiful bike, and the police have had a good idea, because generally in the Gulf region, people love cars and bikes. I don’t know the reason why, but it is like that,” said Malik al Yafei, 31, of Abu Dhabi, who attended with his young son.

The chopper also attracted curious members of Abu Dhabi’s biking fraternities, including Badr Bing, 33.

“It’s an awesome bike and Paul Senior has great flow in what he designs,” Mr Bing said. “Seeing that, as a biker, we feel proud because we feel the Government has recognised the value people see in biking.”

tspender@thenational.ae