---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Terry Zdan tjzdan50@gmail.com Date: Fri, 1 Nov 2013 09:01:44 -0500 Subject: Head injuries are among the most severe injuries sustained while bicycling

http://www.cps.ca/en/documents/position/bike-helmets-to-reduce-risk-of-head-... Principal author(s)Brent E Hagel, Natalie L Yanchar; Canadian Paediatric Society, Injury Prevention Committeehttp://www.cps.ca/en/documents/position/bike-helmets-to-reduce-risk-of-head-injury#authors Paediatr Child Health 2013;18(9):475-80 Abstract

Bicycling is a popular activity and a healthy, environmentally friendly form of transportation. However, it is also a leading cause of sport and recreational injury in children and adolescents. Head injuries are among the most severe injuries sustained while bicycling, justifying the implementation of bicycle helmet legislation by many provinces. There is evidence that bicycle helmet legislation increases helmet use and reduces head injury risk. Evidence for unintended consequences of helmet legislation, such as reduced bicycling and greater risk-taking, is weak and conflicting. Both research evidence to date and recognition of the substantial impact of traumatic brain injuries support the recommendation for all-ages bicycle helmet legislation.

*Key Words:* *Bicycle helmet; Head injuries; Legislation* Recommendations

Based on current evidence and the importance of preventing head injuries in children and youth, the CPS makes the following recommendations:

- All jurisdictions in Canada should legislate and enforce bicycle helmet use for all ages. - Legislation should be rolled out using social marketing and education to raise awareness of bicycle helmet efficacy, accessibility and importance. - *Other strategies to prevent bicycling injuries, such as separating riders from motor traffic with bicycle lanes, pathways for commuting and recreational cycling, and community safety programs should be implemented concurrently.* - Physicians should counsel families about the importance of wearing bicycle helmets. Where all-ages legislation does not exist, parents should wear a bicycle helmet to model good behaviour and protect themselves. - Sales tax exemptions or rebates and federal tax credits to make the purchase of bicycle helmets less expensive should be adopted.

Future research should explore both the intended and potential unintended effects of bicycle helmet legislation, with focus on:

- Long-term follow-up to assess the effects of bicycle helmet legislation on compliance, prevalence and head injuries rates, with appropriate control for trends in other traffic safety initiatives. - How enforcement activities influence helmet compliance and prevalence. - The level of bicycling activity after implementation of helmet legislation, with appropriate control for independent and pre-existing trends in bicycling.

Acknowledgements

This position statement was reviewed by the Community Paediatrics, Adolescent Health, and Healthy Active Living and Sports Medicine Committees, and by the Emergency Paediatrics Section, of the Canadian Paediatric Society.