A six-year-old boy named DeMari Disna from Steinbach is confined indoors for the rest of his summer vacation after being struck by an electric bike. The incident occurred while he was out with his older sisters and friends on a walking trail near a soccer park close to his residence.
DeMari was rushed to Bethesda Regional Health Centre by his mother, Shannon Broesky, where he endured a 19-hour wait for a soft cast to be applied. It was discovered that he had suffered fractures in both his tibia and fibula in his left leg. Subsequently, he was transferred to the Children’s Hospital in Winnipeg for a hard cast.
According to Broesky, DeMari is handling the situation well despite his active nature, having recently received a trampoline and bike for his birthday. While she did not witness the accident, her daughters reported that a teenage girl accidentally collided with DeMari, causing the unfortunate incident.
Broesky is advocating for stricter regulations concerning electric bikes following the incident. The Manitoba government is currently working on legislation related to battery-powered bikes and scooters to improve safety measures for individuals using public spaces.
Transportation Minister Lisa Naylor expressed concern over the incident and emphasized the government’s commitment to reviewing and updating regulations to ensure public safety. Steinbach’s Mayor, Earl Funk, voiced his distress over the injuries, highlighting the potential dangers of e-bikes in inexperienced hands. He stressed the need for increased regulations and educational initiatives to prevent similar accidents in the future.
Morden, a city in southeastern Manitoba, has already implemented bylaws governing the use of electric vehicles, including the mandatory use of helmets and following traffic signals. Mayor Nancy Penner emphasized the importance of setting clear guidelines, especially regarding the permissible age for operating e-bikes and e-scooters. She highlighted the need for consistent regulations across municipalities to avoid confusion and ensure safety on shared pathways.
Broesky expressed her desire for accountability rather than confrontation in dealing with the incident, emphasizing forgiveness and understanding. She acknowledged that accidents can happen and stressed the importance of promoting safety and responsibility among all users of electric vehicles.