Helmet use in BIXI cyclists in Toronto, Canada: an observational study.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the use of helmets for cyclists choosing to use BIXI bikes in comparison to personal bike riders in the City of Toronto.


METHODS
Cross-sectional study design.


METHODS
Cyclists were observed in Toronto, Canada.


METHODS
Of the 6732 sample size, 306 cyclists on BIXI bikes and 6426 personal bike riders were observed.


METHODS
The outcome of interest was helmet use.


RESULTS
Overall, 50.3% of cyclists wore helmets. The proportion of BIXI bike riders using helmets was significantly lower than the proportion of helmet users on personal bikes (20.9% vs 51.7%, respectively, p<0.0001).


CONCLUSIONS
Although the BIXI bike programme has provided an alternate means for Torontonians to use a bicycle, cyclists using BIXI bikes are much less likely to wear a helmet. Since the prevalence of helmet use in cyclists in general is already low, helmet use should be especially promoted in BIXI bike riders in order to promote a safe and healthy environment for cyclists.
Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.
Marissa
M
Bonyun
Andi
A
Camden
Colin
C
Macarthur
Andrew
A
Howard