Helmet use in BIXI cyclists in Toronto, Canada: an observational study

This research investigates the use of helmets for cyclists choosing to use BIXI bikes compared to personal bike riders. A cross-sectional study of 306 cyclists on BIXI bikes and 6426 personal bike riders was conducted in Toronto, Canada. Overall, 50.3% of cyclists wore helmets. The proportion of BIXI bike riders using helmets was significantly lower than the proportion of helmet users on personal bikes (20.9% vs 51.7%). It was also observed that more men than women ride bicycles in Toronto, and women in Toronto were more likely to wear a helmet while cycling. Although the BIXI bike programme has provided an alternate means for Torontonians to use a bicycle, cyclists using BIXI bikes are much less likely to wear a helmet. Since the prevalence of helmet use in cyclists in general is already low, helmet use should be especially promoted in BIXI bike riders in order to promote a safe and healthy environment for cyclists.

• Record URL:
  https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2012-001049
• Authors:
  • Bonyun, Marissa
  • Camden, Andi
  • Macarthur, Colin
  • Howard, Andrew
• Publication Date: 2012

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: Digital/other
• Features: Figures; References; Tables;
• Pagination: 6p
• Serial:
  • BMJ Open
  • Volume: 2
  • Issue Number: 3
  • Publisher: BMJ Publishing Group
  • EISSN: 2044-6055
  • Serial URL: http://bmjopen.bmj.com/

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Bicycle helmets; Bicycle travel; Cross sectional studies; Cyclists; Gender; Vehicle sharing
• Geographic Terms: Toronto (Canada)
• Subject Areas: Pedestrians and Bicyclists; Public Transportation; Safety and Human Factors; I83: Accidents and the Human Factor;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01383513
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Aug 22 2012 3:36PM