ORLANDO, Fla. – In the wake of a heartbreaking accident, Ashley LaChance is channeling her grief into a mission for change following the tragic death of her son, who was struck while riding his e-bike.
“I refuse to give up or spend my days in tears,” LaChance asserted. “Action is necessary,” she added, determined to make a difference.
Despite her personal loss, LaChance is committed to ensuring that no other family endures a similar tragedy.
“I have a plan,” she revealed, “although I’m not ready to unveil it yet. It’s significant, and I believe it will truly connect with young people,” she hinted, expressing both anticipation and hope.
On May 10, her teenage son Colton Remsburg was involved in a fatal accident on Moss Park Road. While riding his e-bike, he was hit by a pickup truck. The Florida Highway Patrol reported that Colton was not wearing a helmet and was outside a marked crosswalk when the collision occurred.
[WATCH: Orange County commissioners debate strict new e-bike rules]
Since Dec. 1, there have been 41 incidents in Orange County involving e-bikes and scooters that have resulted in injuries. Now leaders are calling for change.
“Wear bright clothing, wear protective gear, wear the correct protective gear,” said William Farhat, the Division Chief with Orange County Fire Rescue.
“The most important thing we can give out right now immediately is wear a helmet,” said City of Orlando Commissioner Tom Keen.
The Orange County Commission spoke on e-bike safety concerns earlier this week, pressing to get an ordinance in place that could include speed limits for e-bikes, banning e-bikes from sidewalks and ticketing parents if their children repeatedly break the rules.
“Our ultimate goal is to make our community safer,” said Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings.
The state recently passed its own set of e-bike rules, capping things like speed and right-of-way.
Many say there is more that cities and counties can do to further protect kids.
