title: A descriptive study of bicycle helmet use in Montreal, 2011.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The purpose of this study was to describe bicycle helmet use among Montreal cyclists as a step towards injury prevention programming.
  
  
  METHODS
  Using a cross-sectional study design, cyclists were observed during 60-minute periods at 22 locations on the island of Montreal. There were 1-3 observation periods per location. Observations took place between August 16 and October 31, 2011. Standard statistical methods were used, unadjusted and adjusted odds ratios and 95% confidence interval were calculated.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A total of 4,789 cyclists were observed. The helmet-wearing proportion of all cyclists observed was 46% (95% CI 44-47). Women had a higher helmet-wearing proportion than men (50%, 95% CI 47-52 vs. 44%, 95% CI 42-45, respectively). Youth had the highest helmet-wearing proportion (73%, 95% CI 64-81), while young adults had the lowest (34%, 95% CI 30-37). Visible minorities were observed wearing a helmet 29% (95% CI 25-34) of the time compared to Caucasians, 47% (95% CI 46-49). BIXI (bike sharing program) riders were observed wearing a helmet 12% (95% CI 10-15) of the time compared to riders with their own bike, 51% (95% CI 49-52).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Although above the national average, bicycle helmet use in Montreal is still considerably low given that the majority of cyclists do not wear a helmet. Injury Prevention Programs could target the entire cyclist population, but special attention may be warranted in specific groups such as young men, visible minorities, BIXI riders, and those riding in tourist areas. Additionally, a collaborative enterprise with the bicycle sharing system BIXI Montreal™ could prove to be fruitful in addressing the availability of bike helmets for BIXI riders.
authors.affiliation: McGill University Health Centre- Montreal General Hospital: Trauma Program. tara.grenier@muhc.mcgill.ca.
authors.forename: Tara
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Grenier
authors.forename: Dan L
authors.initials: DL
authors.lastname: Deckelbaum
authors.forename: Kerianne
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Boulva
authors.forename: Laura
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Drudi
authors.forename: Mitra
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Feyz
authors.forename: Nathalie
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Rodrigue
authors.forename: Nancy
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Tze
authors.forename: Paola
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Fata
authors.forename: Kosar
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Khwaja
authors.forename: Talat
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Chughtai
authors.forename: Tarek
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Razek
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D001642:Bicycling / Q000293:injuries; D002170:Canada; D002648:Child; D006259:Craniocerebral Trauma / Q000517:prevention & control*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006260:Head Protective Devices / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010067:Ownership / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D044469:Racial Groups / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012737:Sex Factors; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Head protective devices; brain injuries; prevalence; prevention & control