Motorcycles have their limitations as law enforcement tools. But using them to beef up Illinois State Police traffic patrols in targeted "hot spots" is worth a try.

The state plans to establish six "platoons" of specially trained troopers on up to 35 motorcycles using $550,000 in federal funds designated for traffic law enforcement. One platoon will be assigned to Central Illinois, but it will not be limited by police district boundaries, as regular patrols are. We like that idea. It provides greater flexibility and more freedom to put the troopers where they are most needed.

With several interstate highways in the Pantagraph area - particularly the Twin Cities, with Interstates 39, 55 and 74 - improved traffic enforcement would be beneficial.

In essence, state police will be going back to their roots with these units. According to the Illinois State Police Web site, the department began in 1922 as "a few leather helmet-clad men patrolling the highways on motorcycles."

Modern equipment " particularly upgraded helmets " will provide improved safety and effectiveness compared to their 1920s counterparts.

Police hope that, among other things, the element of surprise will help them catch more speeders, as well as motorists violating laws on lane usage, drunken driving, following too closely and seat belts. Motorists are less likely to recognize the motorcycle on patrol or on the side of the road as a police vehicle.

However, while being "inconspicuous" is good for catching speeders, it has the potential for creating hazardous duty. We don't want to see more police hurt and higher insurance costs because of this initiative.

On the other hand, if word spreads that police are riding motorcycles, perhaps motorists will keep a closer watch for them - thereby making the roads safer for all motorcyclists.

The greater maneuverability of motorcycles is cited by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration as an advantage in catching lawbreakers, particularly in congested areas.

The motorcycle patrol is particularly timely considering the financial problems Illinois has had in replacing its high-mileage patrol cars. The average patrol vehicle has 122,000 miles on it. Replacement is recommended at 82,000, police say. The reliability of these cars has been questioned.

Motorcycles will be cheaper to operate and maintain than cars. The fuel efficient motorcycles will be an additional plus if gasoline prices soar this summer.

There are drawbacks in addition to the safety of a trooper in an accident.

These patrols essentially will be limited to warmer, daytime operation. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recommends that police motorcycles not be operated at night or in temperatures below 35 degrees.

A year from now, police should provide figures showing the impact of these patrols, not only in terms of the number of tickets issued but also regarding their impact on accident reduction.