A six-year-old boy named DeMari Disna from Steinbach is spending his remaining summer days indoors after being struck by an electric bike. The incident occurred while he was out with his older sisters and friends on a walking trail at a nearby soccer park. The collision resulted in DeMari sustaining fractures in both his tibia and fibula in his left leg.
Following the accident, DeMari was taken to the Bethesda Regional Health Centre, where he had to wait for 19 hours before receiving a soft cast. He was later transferred to the Children’s Hospital in Winnipeg for a hard cast placement. DeMari’s mother, Shannon Broesky, mentioned that despite the injury, her son is handling the situation well, although he is already feeling restless due to his active nature.
According to Broesky, her daughters witnessed the collision, stating that a teenage girl on an e-bike accidentally hit DeMari, causing him to be trapped under the bike. This incident has prompted Broesky to advocate for stricter regulations regarding electric bikes to prevent similar accidents in the future.
In response to the incident, Transportation Minister Lisa Naylor expressed concern and emphasized the government’s commitment to reviewing and updating regulations to ensure public safety. Earl Funk, the mayor of Steinbach, acknowledged the dangers posed by e-bikes, highlighting the need for better education and regulations. Meanwhile, the City of Morden has already implemented bylaws mandating helmet use and adherence to traffic rules for electric vehicles like e-bikes and e-scooters.
Nancy Penner, the mayor of Morden, emphasized the importance of establishing clear guidelines at the provincial level, especially regarding age restrictions for e-bike users. She highlighted the need for consistent regulations across municipalities to promote safety on shared pathways.
Broesky encouraged her son to forgive the teen involved in the accident, emphasizing the importance of accountability rather than hostility. She expressed understanding that it was an unintentional incident and emphasized the need for a positive resolution. This incident has sparked discussions within the community about the necessity for enhanced regulations and safety measures surrounding electric bikes.