A Descriptive Study of Bicycle Helmet Use in Montreal, 2011

Overview

Journal Can J Public Health

Publisher Springer Nature

Specialty Public Health

Date 2013 Nov 5

PMID 24183181

Citations 7

Authors

Tara Grenier

Dan L Deckelbaum

Kerianne Boulva

Laura Drudi

Mitra Feyz

Nathalie Rodrigue

Nancy Tze

Paola Fata

Kosar Khwaja

Talat Chughtai

Tarek Razek

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

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.

Citing Articles

Factors associated with bicycle helmet use and proper fit: a cross-sectional survey of Montreal cyclists during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Farag N, Germain A, Caminsky N, Busque A, Grenier T, Bracco D Can J Public Health. 2023; 114(2):195-206.

PMID: 36763331 PMC: 9913020. DOI: 10.17269/s41997-023-00747-8.

The Injuries and Helmet Use in Bike Share Programs: A Systematic Review.

Chen S, Cui H, Tang M, Wang Y, Zhang M, Bai Y J Community Health. 2020; 46(1):203-210.

PMID: 32415520 DOI: 10.1007/s10900-020-00836-6.

Unsafe Bicycling Behavior in Changsha, China: A Video-Based Observational Study.

Gao Y, Schwebel D, Zhang L, Xiao W, Hu G Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2020; 17(9).

PMID: 32392761 PMC: 7246696. DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17093256.

Long-Term Effects of Education and Legislation Enforcement on All-Age Bicycle Helmet Use: A Longitudinal Study.

Huybers S, Fenerty L, Kureshi N, Thibault-Halman G, LeBlanc J, Clarke D J Community Health. 2016; 42(1):83-89.

PMID: 27516068 DOI: 10.1007/s10900-016-0233-3.

Public bike sharing in New York City: helmet use behavior patterns at 25 Citi Bike™ stations.

Basch C, Ethan D, Zybert P, Afzaal S, Spillane M, Basch C J Community Health. 2014; 40(3):530-3.

PMID: 25388627 DOI: 10.1007/s10900-014-9967-y.

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