Observational Study Summary - Capital Health

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.