Bicycle helmets and public health in Australia

Abstract

Compulsion to wear a bicycle helmet is detrimental to public health in Australia.

Mechanisms, injuries and helmet use in cyclists presenting to an inner city emergency department

“…Arguments mounted by those sceptical of the benefits of helmet use include the potential adverse effects on cycling participation rates, ‘risk compensation theory’ and the effect of helmets imparting ‘rotational forces’ on the brain, resulting in diffuse axonal injury . Using data from a telephone survey of 600 participants, Rissel et al .…”

“…Arguments mounted by those sceptical of the benefits of helmet use include the potential adverse effects on cycling participation rates, 22 'risk compensation theory' 23 and the effect of helmets imparting 'rotational forces' on the brain, resulting in diffuse axonal injury. 24 Using data from a telephone survey of 600 participants, Rissel et al 22 concluded that cycling rates could increase dramatically if mandatory helmet laws in Sydney were repealed. In contrast, a recent National Heart Foundation survey of around 1000 participants showed that overall road safety, road speed and the presence of dedicated bicycle paths were the main considerations limiting bicycle use.…”

Prävention von Verkehrsunfällen äußerer Verkehrsteilnehmer (Fußgänger und Fahrradfahrer) in Deutschland

“…Während zahlreiche Untersuchungen belegen, dass die Benutzung des Fahrradhelms Schädel-Hirn-Verletzungen um bis zu 88% reduziert, das schwere Schädel-Hirn-Trauma bis zu 75%, und Gesichtsverletzungen bis 65% [2,13,28], zeigt hingegen eine australische Studie [5], dass sich dort die Fahrradhelmtragepflicht nachteilig auf die allgemeine Gesundheit der Bevölkerung ausgewirkt hat. Durch Aufklärungskampag-nen in Australien wurden Ängste vor der Gefährlichkeit des Fahrradfahrens (insbesondere ohne Helm) in der Bevölke-rung geschürt, so dass dies zu einer insgesamten Abnahme der Fahrradfahrer in Australien führte.…”

Use of conspicuity aids by cyclists and risk of crashes involving other road users: Population based case-control study

“…Cyclists wearing conspicuity aids because of the threat of sanctions might on average be less convinced of their efficacy and thus not so inclined to compensate by changes in cycling behaviour. Legislation risks increasing the proportions using safety equipment such as helmets only at the expense of a possible reduction in cycling 64 . Current techniques for the detection of safety gains e.g.…”

“…give up or reduce the amount they cycle, in some cases as a result of legislation 64 . Curnow points to similar declining rates in head injury that have been observed in pedestrians (who don't use helmets) over the similar time periods.…”