New data from the Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI) shows that over the last 10 years, the rate of cycling injuries has remained level, while head injuries have decreased.
The data shows that every day of the summer, 45 Canadians are hospitalized due to injuries sustained while participating in wheel or water related recreational activities. Cycling injuries are the most common, accounting for approximately half of the injuries. In 2009–2010, over 4000 Canadians were hospitalized as a result of a cycling injury, with close to half of these injuries occuring in the summer months.
Looking at the more severe injuries (those admitted to a special trauma centre), 78% of cyclists with head injuries were not wearing a helmet when the injury occurred. Comparing 2009-2010 to earlier data collected, it appears that head injuries are down by approximately 25%.
“While the number of cycling injuries has remained static over the past decade, the good news is that many studies are showing that the widespread use of helmets has resulted in fewer serious head injuries among children,” says Pamela Fuselli, Executive Director of Safe Kids Canada.
Hospital admissions for cycling-related injuries were highest among those under 20 (42%), with 10-14 year old boys hospitalized the most.
While Ontario has the highest number of cycling injuries, when age-adjusted per-capita rates are looked it, Ontario is among the lowest for hospitalization ratess