Children between the ages of 10 and 14 have the
highest death rate. Nine of ten bicycling deaths involve collision of the
bicyclist with a motor vehicle, and most involve head or neck injury. Male
riders have a higher injury and death rate.
Most injuries occur during warm months and in the afternoon or early
evening.
Children are often seriously injured when they ride out of a driveway,
side street, or alley into the path of a motor vehicle.
Falls from bicycles are very common and they may result in serious head
injuries or fractures.
Stunt riding, double riding and clothing entanglement also contribute
to injury. The quality of the riding surface affects the likelihood of a
fall.
Prevention:
- Bicyclists, especially child bicyclists, should be separated from
motor vehicle traffic whenever and wherever possible.
- All cyclists should wear a helmet. Most serious injuries and deaths
are due to head injuries.
- Carry infants in a special protective carrier that shields and
restrains the child.
- Avoid riding in the street or on the road. (children)
- Obey traffic rules when riding on the road (older children and
adolescents).
- Avoid riding after dark. If you do ride in the dark, add lights to
your bike and wear reflective clothing.
- The bike should be the correct size for the rider.
Bicycle Helmet Checklist
Buy a helmet that meets the safety standards of the American National
Standards Institute (ANSI) or the Snell Memorial Foundation.
Always do the following to ensure a proper fit:
- Place the helmet directly over the forehead.
- Tighten the chinstrap to keep the helmet from slipping forward or
backward.
- Only two fingers should it under the chinstrap.
Wearing a helmet correctly is vitally important to the ability of the
helmet to work. Wear the helmet regularly. This is the single most
effective protection against brain injury.
