A six-year-old boy named DeMari Disna in Steinbach is confined indoors for the remainder of his summer vacation after being struck by an electric bike. The incident occurred while DeMari was out with his siblings and friends at a soccer park near his residence. Following the collision, his mother, Shannon Broesky, rushed him to Bethesda Regional Health Centre, where he endured a 19-hour wait before receiving a soft cast for his broken left leg.
DeMari was later transferred to the Children’s Hospital in Winnipeg for further treatment. Despite coping well, his mother mentioned that he is already feeling bored, as he is an active child who recently received a trampoline and a bike for his birthday. According to Broesky, the accident involved a teenage girl on the e-bike colliding with her son, as reported by DeMari’s sisters.
In response to the incident, Shannon Broesky is advocating for stricter regulations concerning electric bikes. The Manitoba government is currently working on legislation regarding battery-powered bikes and scooters. Transportation Minister Lisa Naylor expressed concern over the incident and emphasized the government’s commitment to reviewing and updating regulations to ensure public safety on roads and trails.
Steinbach’s mayor, Earl Funk, described the accident as distressing and highlighted the potential dangers associated with fast-moving e-bikes in the hands of inexperienced riders. Funk emphasized the need for enhanced regulations and public education to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Meanwhile, the City of Morden has already implemented its own bylaws governing the use of electric vehicles, including helmet requirements and adherence to traffic signals. Mayor Nancy Penner emphasized the importance of establishing clear guidelines at the provincial level, especially regarding age restrictions for using e-bikes and e-scooters.
Shannon Broesky has expressed her desire for accountability rather than confrontation following the incident involving her son. She emphasized the importance of forgiveness and understanding, acknowledging that accidents can happen and aiming to avoid harboring negative emotions towards those involved.
