Seasonal variations in bicycle‐related trauma: A retrospective cohort comparison between winter and summer bicycle‐related trauma visits

Abstract

This study aimed to examine the difference in trauma injuries between bicycle users in winter months compared to summer months. Behavioral variables were also examined to assess seasonal variability, as well as associations with traumas. This was done using a retrospective cohort study of all bicycle-related traumas presenting to a level I trauma center between the years 1998 and 2018. There were a significantly greater number of injuries in the summer as compared to winter months. While most injuries in both groups were rated in the severe range of the Injury Severity Scale, there were no differences in injury severity, initial GCS, deaths, or head injuries between the two seasons, nor any differences in drug, alcohol, or helmet use. Overall, helmet use was associated with lower injury severity, less head trauma, and a higher initial GCS. The use of alcohol was associated with less likelihood of wearing a helmet. In conclusion, bicycle use in winter does not appear to be associated with worse injury-related outcomes than summer. Public health interventions can continue to encourage winter bicycle use, with the encouragement of helmet use and avoidance of alcohol when cycling as an important protective factor in both seasons.