A Bobby on a bike is a rare sight these days – altogether too rare, many people think.

But PC John Ferris and his cycle are a common and often comforting sight to the people of Appledore – where he lives – Westward Ho! and Northam. When, on his transfer to Bideford from Newton Abbot, Chief Supt Reg Goldsworthy offered him this country beat he jumped at the chance. 

The full Gazette article is dated 24 October 1975