A quiet day at the football pitches in Prestatyn, Wales, turned into a nightmare for the Latham family when two-year-old Dylan Latham was struck by a 65-year-old cyclist riding an electric bike. The toddler was left with a deep cut on his forehead, requiring more than a dozen stitches, and a night in the hospital. The incident has ignited anger and debate over e-bike safety after police decided not to pursue criminal charges against the rider. Dylan’s mother, Darcy Gore, is now calling for stricter regulations to prevent similar accidents in the future.
The Lathams had taken their three sons to the Morfas football pitches, where Dylan’s father, Joran, coaches a boys’ team. It was a day like any other — a mix of football training, family time, and the occasional wander by the youngest child. But Dylan’s curiosity, as is typical for a toddler, took him onto a nearby pedestrian footpath that serves as a shortcut to the town center.
“He came flying down the path on her e-bike, completely unaware of anyone around,” Darcy recalls, her voice still trembling. “She hit Dylan, cutting his head open. And then, just like that, she got up, got on her bike, and left. She didn’t even stop to give us her contact information.”
The scene was harrowing. Dylan’s tiny body was bleeding heavily, and he was drifting in and out of consciousness. “I honestly thought he might be brain damaged,” Darcy says. “His eyes had this glazed look, and his face was covered in blood. I was terrified. I ran to scoop him up and made a dash for the car, while Joran rushed him to the hospital as quickly as he could.”
At the hospital, Dylan received immediate care. Surgeons stitched his forehead, and doctors monitored him for any complications from the fall. While Dylan was fortunate to avoid long-term damage, the incident left his parents shaken to their core. Darcy emphasizes that the injuries Dylan suffered could have been far more serious. “The wounds my son received were equivalent to what a child could sustain if hit by a car,” she said. “It’s terrifying to think how quickly a day out can become a life-or-death situation.”
North Wales Police issued an appeal to trace the cyclist, who came forward two days later. But despite the severity of Dylan’s injuries, officers decided not to pursue a criminal case. The e-bike in question was operating within the legal speed limit of 15.5 miles per hour, and there was no evidence it had been modified. While the family acknowledges the collision may not have been intentional, they believe that accountability is still crucial — particularly on paths meant for pedestrians.
“She should have been mindful of her surroundings,” Darcy insists. “Footpaths are meant for walkers, not for heavy e-bikes racing down at speed. The dangers are very real, especially for young children. Everyone needs to understand that one small moment can have life-altering consequences.”
Darcy also expresses frustration with what she perceives as a shift in police attitude once the cyclist’s age was revealed. “They were initially very angry that a child had been hurt. But as soon as they learned she was 65, their tone changed. It felt like Dylan’s injuries didn’t matter as much anymore. That was incredibly upsetting.”
This incident reflects a growing national concern over the rise of electric bicycles. Unlike traditional bicycles, e-bikes are heavier and can reach higher speeds, increasing the risk of injury in collisions. Pedestrians, especially children, are particularly vulnerable, and many public footpaths in towns like Prestatyn are not designed to accommodate them.
“It’s sheer luck Dylan survived,” Darcy said. “I don’t want another family to experience what we went through. E-bikes can be dangerous when used inappropriately on pedestrian paths. We need clearer rules, more public awareness, and stricter enforcement to protect our children.”
The emotional aftermath for the family has been intense. Every small milestone, every smile, and every laugh from Dylan is a reminder of how fragile life can be. “Even now, when he toddles along the footpath or plays near roads, I feel a constant anxiety,” Darcy admits. “This accident will stay with me forever.”
While Dylan recovers at home under the care of his parents, the incident has sparked wider discussion. It highlights the need for better education on e-bike usage, stricter regulations for cyclists on pedestrian paths, and the importance of vigilance around children. Families across the UK have expressed concern over the potential risks posed by increasingly popular battery-powered bicycles.
“This wasn’t just an accident,” Darcy emphasizes. “It was a wake-up call. Footpaths should be safe spaces for pedestrians, especially for children. E-bikes, while useful, can be dangerous when misused or ridden carelessly. We owe it to our kids to make these areas safe.”
The Lathams hope Dylan’s story will serve as both a warning and a call to action. His injuries, though healing, remind everyone of the dangers posed by e-bikes on shared pathways and the responsibilities of those operating them. “Every parent should know the risks,” Darcy said. “A simple day out can turn into a nightmare in seconds. We were lucky — incredibly lucky. And we want the world to understand just how quickly things can go wrong.”
Dylan Latham’s story has become a cautionary tale, drawing attention to pedestrian safety, the rise of e-bikes, and the need for laws that protect the most vulnerable. While the scars on his forehead may fade, the call for safer public spaces and greater accountability continues — ensuring that future children are not left to face the same terrifying experience.