Each year, more than 580,000 cyclists receive emergency room treatment, and 20,000 are admitted to the hospital. Head injuries are noted in 65,000 emergency room cases and 7,700 hospital admissions. Nonhelmeted riders are 14 times more likely to be involved in a fatal crash than those wearing a helmet. Helmets also offer substantial protection to the forehead and midface, according to an important study reported 10 years ago in the New England Journal of Medicine . Universal use of bike helmets by children could prevent up to 45,000 head injuries a year, and up to 55,000 face and scalp injuries, the National Safe Kids Campaign maintains.
Cycling is great exercise, a fun pastime, and an environmentally friendly form of transportation.
But it is not without hazards. Think First The American Association of Neurological Surgeons and the Congress of Neurological Surgeons provide some excellent food for thought. . Here's a program that teaches bicycle safety and a drug-free lifestyle. Copyright 2000 The Health Alliance.