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Developing Effective Bicycle Safety Programs for Youth
Children on bikes are out riding around as soon as the warm weather arrives. However, this fun and seemingly harmless activity can sometimes lead to tragedy. Each year, an alarming number of young cyclists across the country are sent to emergency rooms to be treated for head injuries, broken bones, and cuts and bruises. Sometimes, these bicycle-related accidents involve collisions with cars and can result in severe head trauma or even death.
Fast Facts
- Head injuries account for 62.6% of bicycle fatalities among youth.
- Properly wearing a helmet reduces the risk of head and brain injury by 63 to 88 percent.
Source: Promoting Bicycle Safety for Children: Strategies and Tools for Community Programs.
Teaching bicycle safety has become a concern for communities as they attempt to reduce the number of bicycle-related injuries and fatalities experienced by children and youth. To assist communities with planning and implementing bicycle safety programs, the Children’s Safety Network, an HHD project, has created a new pamphlet called Promoting bicycle safety for children: Strategies and tools for community programs.
This brochure provides effective strategies and resources for organizations looking to develop bicycle safety initiatives for children. It includes factual information about the scope of bicycle injuries and fatalities, and offers best practices and strategies that have been expertly reviewed for effectiveness. In addition, recommended resources can assist in planning and implementation of successful bicycle safety programs, including contacts for partnerships and funding.
Bicycle-related injuries are preventable. With the dissemination of HHD’s short, comprehensive brochure, communities can readily promote proper bicycle use by combining evidence-based strategies with effective programming and application.
June 30, 2008 |
