Bike Friendly Kalamazoo

Silent Observer-BFK Reward Fund

Silent Observer of Kalamazoo County offers rewards for information regarding serious crimes against bicyclists, including Hit and Runs, thanks to the generosity of anonymous Bike Friendly Kalamazoo donors.  This special reward fund stands at more than $3,000. 

Call 911 to report an emergency/crime; call 269-343-2100 to report tips to Silent Observer.  Silent Observer of Kalamazoo County also accepts information via online or mobile app. 

Bike Friendly Kalamazoo believes it is in the interest of public safety to inform the public that this special reward fund exists.

Our partnership with local law enforcement and Silent Observer is long-standing.  We are recognized as a Gold Level Sponsor by Silent Observer of Kalamazoo County.  As of now this special Reward Program is fully funded.  Additional donations help keep the program operational, and can be made directly to Silent Observer or by becoming a Friend of BFK.

How Silent Observer Works
Silent Observer’s process is explained on their website How It Works page HERE.  Silent Observer of Kalamazoo County administers all aspects of this special reward fund.  Bike Friendly Kalamazoo has funded, but is not involved in program administration.  

About Silent Observer of Kalamazoo County
Begun in 1974, the Kalamazoo County Silent Observer program operates as an independent non-profit organization. The concept was developed through a combination of efforts by local media, businesses, civic and social clubs, law enforcement agencies and the public.  Learn more about Silent Observer and their Mission on their About Us page HERE.

What is a “Hit and Run?”
According to MichiganAutoLaw.com, “Unlawful leaving the scene of an accident in Michigan occurs when a driver fails to: (1) stop at the crash scene; (2) provide information; (3) present a driver’s license; and (4) assist in securing medical aid. (MCL 257.617(1); 257.617a(1); 257.618(1); and 257.619).”

Role in Placemaking
Placemaking has been defined as a collaborative process for working together to shape our public realm, strengthening the connection between people and the places they share. Law enforcement and the judicial process play a critical role in making community a great place to live, work, play and learn.

Bike Friendly Kalamazoo believes in the power of improving the quality of life and building community through bicycling.  

We encourage others to remind the public that this special reward program is a reality. Law enforcement actions to protect and serve bicyclists are announced during Kalamazoo Area Bike Week and quarterly meetings of the Bike Program Steering Committee, via our website and postings on social media. 

We can all work together to brighten the corner in which we live.  With your help we can help the public realize that following the rules of the road increases public safety, earns greater respect for bicyclists and motorists alike, and improves a feeling of greater security.

We thank Silent Observer of Kalamazoo County and our local law enforcement agencies for everything they are doing to help make our greater community even more bicycle friendly!

Learn more about Bike Friendly Kalamazoo’s Goals and Programs here.

Please like and follow our Facebook pages @bikefriendlykalamazoo, @kalamazoobikeweek, @fallbikecelebration, and on the web at www.bikefriendlykalamazoo.org, www.kalamazoobikeweek.org and www.fallbikecelebration.org.

Thanks to our original special Reward Fund’s anonymous donors and Friends of BFK.