St. Boniface Street Links hires more bike patrols for the next summer.
In summer 2019, there will be much more bike patrols with St. Boniface Street Links on the road. St. Boniface Street Links is a non-profit organization that aims to end with homelessness, poverty and crime in the city of Winnipeg.
Last year, its foot patrols walked along the lanes and rivers. This year, the patrol will be equipped with bicycles.
"Now, we are beginning to address the challenges associated with the meth epidemic and trying to create a better ambience of safety," said Marion Willis, head of St. Boniface Street Links. "There has been an increase in residential crimes, commercial crimes, panhandling and stolen property and so on. So we decided we all needed to team up. We are working with the Norwood Grove BIZ. We have purchased more bikes, and we are about to start major recruitment."
At the moment, the organization has 18 people in its bike patrol, and it is going to hire 30-40 people more.
"So we can provide seven days a week coverage to a much expanded area of St. Boniface. We will be working with people panhandling to understand why they are there and try to find some alternatives," said Willis.
All bike patrols will cooperate with local shops, businesses and various organizations to find out what they should pay attention to. They will also receive information and assistance from the police. The bike patrols will get a new name - the St. Boniface Street Links Ambassadors.
All bike patrols will be divided into groups of 3 people. They will also undergo special training because their work can sometimes be quite dangerous.
If you want to join the program, call at 204-615-5557.
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