title: Bicycle helmet use and compliance: a northeastern Ontario roadside survey.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Northeastern Ontario Family Medicine and Lead Trauma Programs, Sudbury.
authors.forename: B H
authors.initials: BH
authors.lastname: Rowe
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Thorsteinson
authors.forename: G W
authors.initials: GW
authors.lastname: Bota
mesh_terms: 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