Observational Study Summary - Capital Health

Observational
Study Summary
Division of Emergency Medicine
and Department of Pediatrics

In the summer of 2000, an observational survey was conducted in Alberta to gather
information on bicycle helmet usage. Cyclists of all ages were observed in various locations
(including schools, parks, designated cycling paths, residential areas, commuter routes, and
campuses) and the results were recorded. Communities included in the survey were
Calgary & surrounding area (Cochrane, Airdrie, and Okotoks); and Edmonton &
surrounding area (Fort Saskatchewan, Leduc, Sherwood Park, St. Albert, and
Spruce Grove).
HEALTH CANADA
Throughout this summary, the age groups are defined as: adults (≥ 18 years of age); adolescents (13 - 17 years of
age); and children (≤12 years of age). Helmet usage was defined as any helmet worn by a cyclist.
Alberta Sample Distribution
Communities
% of Alberta Population No. of Observations Helmet Usage
Edmonton 23.0% 1,718 45%
Calgary 29.9% 2,016 63%
Edmonton Surrounding Area 5.6% 294 50%
Calgary Surrounding Area 1.4% 113 64%
59.9% 4,141 55%
In Alberta, the overall helmet usage
amongst observed cyclists (n=4,141) was
55%.
Age Group Age Group
Observed Helmet Usage in Alberta by Age Groups
Children
Adolescents
Adults
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100
Helmet Usage in Alberta’s Major Urban Centres
Children
Adolescents
Adults
Percentage Wearing Helmets
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100
Percentage Wearing Helmets
Helmet Usage by Gender
75% (n = 1,236)
29% (n = 677)
52% (n = 2,107)
Calgary
(& surrounding
area)
Edmonton
(& surrounding
area)
87% 60%
40% 20%
55% 48%
Adolescents (29%) have the lowest average
bicycle helmet usage. Children (75%), are
the most likely to wear a helmet.
People in and around Calgary were more
likely to wear a helmet than their
counterparts in and around Edmonton.
Overall, helmet usage for Calgary &
surrounding area (n=2,129) was 63%.
Overall, helmet usage observed for
Edmonton & surrounding area (n=2,012)
was significantly lower at 46%. Communities
surrounding the two major urban centres
were observed to have similar usage
patterns as their closest major urban centre.
Age Group
Children
Adolescents
Adults
Females Males
80% 71%
34% 27%
63% 47%
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100
Percentage Wearing Helmets
Overall, helmet usage was higher for
females (64%, n=1,204) than for males
(50%; n=2,833). The higher percentage of
helmet usage for females was consistent
throughout all age groups.

Children are the
most likely to
wear a helmet
Helmet Misuses (Among observed helmet users; n= 2,090)
1% Wrong Type of Helmet
4% Too Far Forward
9% Straps Not Fastened Properly
11% Too Far Back
75% Correct Use
Fifty-five percent of observed cyclists were
wearing a helmet. Twenty-five percent of
these were observed wearing their helmet
incorrectly. While it appears that 75% of
cyclists wearing helmets were wearing them
correctly, this determination was obtained
visually not manually.
The most common misuse was the helmet
sitting too far back on the head (11%)
followed closely by straps not
properly fastened (9%).
Location
School
Park
Cycling Path
Residential
Commuter Route
Campus
Helmet Usage by Location
64% (n = 1,383)
58% (n = 709)
53% (n = 614)
45% (n = 575)
44% (n = 664)
37% (n = 196)
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100
Percentage Wearing Helmets
Helmet usage was higher in areas that were
more likely to be frequented by children,
such as schools (64%).
Companions
Helmet Usage of Children By Companion Status
With Adult(s)
Helmet on at Least 1 Adult
With Adult(s)
No Helmet(s) on Adult(s)
Without Adult(s)
99%
84%
72%
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100
Percentage of Children Wearing Helmets
Riding with adults has a positive effect on
helmet use by children. The percentage of
children wearing helmets increases from
72% when riding alone or with their peers,
to 99% when riding with an adult who is
wearing a helmet.

In Alberta, injuries are the leading cause of death for children,
youth, & adults under 45 years of age.
Bicycling is one of the most popular recreational activities with an estimated 85% of
children (14 years & under) engaging in this activity.
What we know…
• In Alberta, bicycling injuries top the list of sport & recreational activities resulting in major trauma.
• Over 6,000 Albertans are injured every year in bike-related incidents.
• From April 1, 1997 – March 31, 1998: 2,548 children (aged 0-12); 1,286 youth (aged 13-17); and 2,596 adults (aged 18 and over)
were seen in Alberta’s Emergency Departments for bike-related injuries.
$ Bike-related injuries cost Canadians almost $200 million every year.
• 82% of Alberta’s cyclists (19 years of age and under) who suffered a bike-related major trauma were not wearing a helmet at the time
of the injury.
• At least 45% of Albertans are not wearing bicycle helmets every time they ride, putting them at risk for brain injury. Many more may
not be wearing their helmets correctly.
• Currently, Alberta does not have bicycle helmet legislation that could protect its’ citizens from the serious long-term complications
resulting from brain injury.
Building a solution…
• Scientific evidence clearly shows bike helmets reduce injury. They reduce the risk of suffering a bike-related upper & mid facial injury
by 65% and brain injury by 88%.
$ For every $1 spent on a bicycle helmet, $30 is saved on health care costs.
• Studies show that combining educational efforts with legislation is the most effective means of influencing behavior change.
Call to action…
• Alberta needs a comprehensive educational campaign promoting bicycle helmet usage; and
• Alberta needs comprehensive bike helmet legislation. Such legislation has potential to:
• Decrease the number of head injuries suffered by Albertans;
• Decrease the potential years of life lost by young Albertans;
$ Decrease costs to Alberta’s health care system.
Through partnerships, we can help ensure a healthy, active future for all Albertans.
For more information, please contact:
KIDSAFE Connection
Stollery Children's Health Centre
WMC 4H2.02, 8440 – 112 Street
Edmonton, AB T6G 2B7
(ph) 780 407 7250
(fx) 780 407 6472
KIDSAFE Connection
Alberta Children's Hospital
1820 Richmond Road SW
Calgary, AB T2T 5C7
(ph) 403 229 7833
(fx) 403 541 7533
Alberta Centre for Injury Control & Research
4075 RTF University of Alberta
8308 – 114 Street
Edmonton, AB T6G 2E1
(ph) 780 492 6019
(fx) 780 492 7154
This observational study was generously funded by a grant through the Alberta Centre for Injury Control & Research.