ELKHART — Rising fuel costs are straining lots of people's budgets, even local government. But the Elkhart police department is looking at a plan that could cut its gas usage in the long run.

“We're very concerned about gasoline prices, and we know it impacts everybody's life in so many ways,” Mayor Dick Moore told WSBT News.

Like many cities, Elkhart is looking to cut fuel costs.

“We're always looking to be more efficient with our resources,” said Asst. Chief Tim Balyeat.

The police department is looking into steps to save this summer — they'd like to expand the use of police bike patrols and the electric Segway scooters. Neither requires gas. That's why the department wants to use those methods even more.

"We're looking at different ways of getting guys back out of the cars,” explained Lt. Ed Windbigler. “Because every bit we can do to save a little bit of gas, it’s going to save the whole department, and the whole city, a little bit of money."

Officers agree both methods aren't a cure-all for fighting crime, but they do have advantages.

“The simple fact that a bike or Segway is less visible than an actual patrol car, therefore if we're trying to sneak up on a bad guy, it's much easier to do so,” said Cpl. Anthoney Tweedy.

Some residents told WSBT News they like the idea of the program and it makes them feel more secure.

“I know with the bike patrols going into all the little spots where a lot of the kids hang out, it deters them from hanging out, doing things that they're not supposed to be doing,” said resident Becky Hurley.

Mayor Dick Moore says there has been discussion about how officers use take-home cars. But he says preliminary statistics show their presence is an effective crime fighting tool.

Elkhart County also uses bike patrols in the summer, and state police have their officers turn off their vehicles whenever possible.