Bicycle helmet use and compliance: a northeastern Ontario roadside survey.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the prevalence of helmet use, compliance with helmet-wearing recommendations and attitudes to bicycle helmet legislation in a northern Ontario community.


METHODS
Prospective roadside survey of pedal cyclists.


METHODS
Cyclists riding in the city of Sudbury completed a survey and trained interviewers examined helmet fit.


RESULTS
Of 1134 cyclists encountered at 28 locations; 472 (42%) completed surveys. Males predominated and the mean age was 19.7 years. Overall, helmet use was 20% but helmet ownership was higher (32%). Only 49% of helmets were worn correctly. Support for legislation for those under the age of 16 (81%) and for all ages (57%) was high.


CONCLUSIONS
Helmet use in this community is low; one third of helmet owners were found not to be using helmets regularly. Efficacy was reduced by nonadherence to helmet-wearing standards. Education aimed at correcting these findings should be included in safety campaigns.
Rowe
B H
BH
Northeastern Ontario Family Medicine and Lead Trauma Programs, Sudbury.
Thorsteinson
K
K
Bota
G W
GW
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001642:Bicycling / Q000293:injuries; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D006260:Head Protective Devices / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009864:Ontario; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires