That is so sad that schools take away the bike lock facilities and don't allow kids to ride to school. One of the best things is getting a bike and finally having the freedom over your own mobility.
When I was a kid a lot of horrible, newsworthy things happened to me and people I know. The difference between then and now is back then you didn't talk about it.
I think kids should be forced to ride to school. Put crossing guards at those busy intersections and give them the authority to stop traffic in all directions. The only exception to forcing kids to ride to school is please don't force 13 year old (or so) girls. At that age, riding a bike is complete torture, fraught with opportunities for total, feminine humiliation.