TAMPA, Fla. — The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office is rolling out their newest unit ahead of Super Bowl LV.

“This is something that was going to happen either way. We had a small contingency and trained and had the equipment during the RNC,” said Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister.

If you’re downtown this weekend, you might notice 18 deputies, riding their bikes in perfect formation, making sure people are safe no matter where they are.

“Great for crowd control. Great for that ease and that speed and getting through crowds and going where they need to go,” said Chronister.

Perfect for a weekend like this one, where we’ve already started to see people come out in the masses.

“We can get into areas quickly. We surprise people when we come in from between the buildings, the surprise look on their face when all of a sudden we show up and they’ve got a half dozen patrol deputies looking at them, it’s very surprising for them. They’re not used to seeing us out, dressed like this, on bicycles,” said bicycle response team leader, Master Deputy Richard Cadieux, Jr.

It’s taken a year of training, but members of the Bicycle Response Team are able to maneuver the bikes quickly, ride up and down stairs, and trudge through any weather conditions.

It’s all about having boots on the ground, and responding quickly if need be.

“That’s it. Being more proactive. They haven’t been “utilized” per say,  like had to respond to any type of emergency. But it’s been a great presence. I think I find comfort, along with my family and our families that are out here,” said Chronister.

You can expect to see them at other big upcoming events too, like Gasparilla, the Strawberry Festival, and the State Fair.