Bicycle-Related Injuries: a Local Scene

Abstract

To determine the profile of bicycle injury and possible risk factors for severe injuries, we studied patients with bicycle-related accidents attending the Accident and Emergency Department of North District Hospital between 1 May 1999 to 31 October 1999. Of the 424 patients, 52 (12.3%) were admitted and one (0.24%) died. Comparing to those not admitted, significantly more of the admitted cases suffered from major injuries, rode on rainy days and involved in collision with motor vehicles. A total of 160 patients (37.8%) had documented head injuries. However the extremely low utilisation rates of helmet at the time of injury implied that action should be taken in this direction to reduce bicycle-related morbidity and mortality.