As Monday marks the start of a new week and the arrival of spring, students in Portage la Prairie are dusting off their bikes and scooters for their daily commutes to school. With warmer weather enticing kids back onto two wheels, local principals are emphasizing safety protocols and theft prevention to ensure a smooth transition to active transportation.
Safety first: Helmets, locks, and bike lanes
Fort la Reine School principal Matt Harkness urges students to prioritize safety as biking season kicks off.
“We encourage them to use the bike lanes now provided on some major streets. If they’re on sidewalks, just look for pedestrians,” he says. “Wearing helmets is important for safety reasons, and when they get to school, they need a good lock to protect their bikes because, unfortunately, things happen where bikes go missing.”
Harkness adds that students should dismount and cross streets safely, while parents and caregivers are reminded to review road rules with young riders.
Preventing bike theft: More locks, racks, and cameras
Bike thefts remain a concern in the community, prompting Crescentview School principal Doyle Moar to stress proper storage.
“Lock bikes up in the bike racks — that’s the safest spot. If students chain them to fences, it’s more accessible for people looking to take things off the property,” he says.
Both schools have installed outdoor cameras as a theft deterrent.
“All our schools in the division have cameras on playgrounds. It’s a deterrent for unwanted guests, and we work closely with the RCMP,” Moar notes.
Harkness echoes the need for sturdy locks: “A strong bike lock does prevent theft.”
Collaboration with RCMP deters theft
Portage la Prairie’s school division maintains a proactive relationship with local law enforcement to address incidents. “If anything happens, the RCMP are quick to review our camera footage,” Moar says.
As bikes once again fill school racks, the message is clear: spring’s arrival brings joy — and responsibility.
“Kids are excited,” Moar adds, “but safety and smart habits keep it that way.”