Portage la Prairie’s Community Safety Officers (CSOs) are rolling out electric bikes to enhance visibility and response times in parks, alleys, and hard-to-reach areas. Community Safety Office Manager Caitlyn Saindon says the e-bikes supplement their fully equipped patrol vehicle, which now features lights and sirens.
E-bikes enhance accessibility and visibility
Saindon notes the e-bikes allow officers to patrol parks like Island Park and Republic Park more discreetly than vehicles. The bikes also enable quicker navigation through traffic-choked routes.
"They can get from one side of town to the other a lot faster without having to worry about traffic rules. The bicycles go up to 28 miles per hour on their boost setting," she says.
Training for the current CSO team is underway, with patrols expected to begin by late this week. Future considerations include protocols for securing the heavy bikes during emergencies.
Motivation and daily operations
Community Safety Officer Lukas Kanne joined the program after a career in welding, seeking a role focused on public service.
"Motivation is always to help people. That’s what makes me happy," he adds.
Kanne’s daily tasks include morning patrols near schools, monitoring abandoned properties, and responding to public calls.
Community feedback and team growth
CSO Todd Allard highlights positive reactions from Saskatchewan Avenue businesses, where increased patrols have reduced disruptive activity.
"We’ve had really positive feedback from retail customers. They’ve noticed our presence has turned aside some of the negative activity occurring in the past," Allard continues.
The program plans to expand its team soon, with new recruits undergoing training. Updates on e-bike patrols are available through the Community Safety Office.