Sports Med
-
Cycling accidents are responsible for significant morbidity and mortality, especially in boys under the age of 16. While most cycling injuries result from simple falls from the bicycle, the majority of fatalities are caused by head injuries resulting from accidents involving motor vehicles. It is estimated that up to 85% of all cycling fatalities caused by head injuries could be prevented by the use of an appropriate cycling helmet. ⋯ But it is clear that appropriate legislation making helmet use compulsory for all cyclists is the only effective method for increasing helmet use, especially by young cyclist. Such legislation would reduce a mortality rate among young cyclists that has been equated to the mortality caused by some childhood infections in the pre-vaccination era. Some argue that physicians have a particular responsibility for promoting effective legislation for mandatory helmet use so that young children can be 'vaccinated' against the risk of the modern childhood epidemic; fatal head injury while cycling.