Characteristics and Risk Factors of Bicycle Injury

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: The bicycle is a clean and future-oriented means of transportation and bicycle usage is growing. The bicycle has been in the spotlight lately with Europe and North America as the center. The purpose of this study was to establish proper prevention strategies for bicycle injuries. METHODS: In this retrospective study, we analysed 148 bicycle-related injury patients who visited our hospital between Feb 1, 2008 and Jan 31, 2009. Information such as age, gender, injury severity score, injury time, injury place, and other characteristics were collected. Data were analysed using SPSS 12.0K. RESULTS: Among the enrollees, 80.4% were male. Patients over 65 years of age accounted for only 18.2% of the group, but average injury severity score (ISS) of this group was the highest. Injuries occurred frequently between 1600 and 2200 in the evening, while the severity was higher between 0000 and 0800 in the morning. Most of the injuries developed on the roads, which included local roads, national highways, and alleyways. Injuries on the roads were more severe than those that occurred in other places. CONCLUSION: There have been suggestions for using bicycles safely. Legislation on bicycle helmet use already exists. Also, protective apparatus such as knee pads, wrist guards, and protection vests are recommended for use. Construction of more bike trails will be necessary. Above all, bicycle riders' safety consciousness is the most important part.