Bicycling is a fun activity that is available to persons of all ages and sizes. It does not discriminate and is widely enjoyed. It can, however, be confusing to know when it is appropriate to wear a helmet and what types of helmets are recommended. With a little knowledge, biking can be a rewarding and safe experience for all.
Background
Bicycling is a favorite activity in the U.S. Nearly 30 percent of the United States population owns a bicycle. Roughly 80 percent to 90 percent of children own a bicycle by the time they reach the second grade. Head injury is the main reason for death and disability in bicycle related injuries. In fact, 62 percent of bicycle related deaths are the result of a head injury.
Prevention
In order to reduce the number of deaths resulting from bicycle related crashes, researchers recommend a bicycle helmet be worn. Bicycle helmets protect the brain and skull during impact. Studies show that using bicycle helmets reduce the number of bicycle related head injuries by 74 percent to 85 percent. Unhelmeted riders have a higher risk for injury than helmeted riders.
Recommendations
It is recommended that everyone, regardless of age, gender or size wear a helmet when bicycling. Riders should wear a helmet every time they get on the bike wherever they may be riding. Accidents occur on the sidewalk, the dirt, at the park, in the driveway, or on the street. It is never safe to not wear a helmet.
Barriers
Only 18 percent of bicyclists wear helmets. The barriers to wearing a helmet are cost, discomfort, uneducated about helmet benefits, length of the trip, and feelings that peers will ridicule those who choose to wear a helmet.
Standards
Cyclists are encouraged to purchase bicycle helmets that have the ANSI or ASTM stickers. These stickers ensure the rider that the helmet has been tested for performance and has met the safety standards.
Education
It is recommended that communities work to have successful programs that teach, promote, enforce and evaluate helmet use. Helmet laws, awareness campaigns, in-school educational programs, and incentive programs including giveaways are strategies used to accomplish this. Helmet laws are met with greater success when paired with education.
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