MADISON HEALTH DEPARTMENT PRESS RELEASE
BICYCLE HELMETS
Spring is here! The temperature outside is climbing everyday, and adults and children are anxiously getting their bicycles, scooters and roller-blades ready to go out riding in the sunshine. Are they wearing their helmets?
According to the Centers for Disease Control, many are not. Among the 96 million bicyclists in the United States approximately 700 deaths and 500,000 emergency room visits occur annually as a result of bicycle injuries. 62% of those deaths and 32% of the injuries involve head trauma to those riding without helmets. Wearing a helmet is an effective way to reduce the risk for head injuries.
The risk for head injuries among persons not using helmets is 4 to 6 times greater than that among persons using helmets. Although an approved bicycle helmet is mandated for children under age 12, it has been noted that fewer than 2% of U.S. children and fewer than 10% of all U.S. bicyclists wear helmets.
The Madison Health Department encourages all bicyclists and roller-bladers - old and young - to wear a helmet whenever out riding.
