Biking is the most popular outdoor activity among young Canadians. About 90% of children aged 10 to 14 are bicyclists. Fun and enjoyment aside though, biking is not a past time without risk.

Over 100 Canadians die each year from bike injuries. About half of the children killed in biking mishaps are aged 5 to 14. In addition, 50,000 children in Canada are injured every year in bike-related mishaps.

Most serious bike crashes happen close to home on quiet streets. It may surprise you to know that the vast majority of bike crashes DO NOT involve motor vehicles. About 95 percent of all injury-producing bike mishaps occur when a cyclist falls or runs into something like a pothole, post, pedestrian or another bike.

Bike crashes can have lasting effects. Bike crashes are the leading cause of brain injury to school-aged children. Unlike a broken bone, a brain injury never fully heals. Brain injury can lead to death or permanent disability. Survivors of brain injury may suffer seizures, intellectual and memory impairment and personality changes.

Got a Brain? Get a Helmet

Bike helmet protection is priceless. Your brain can't be repaired or replaced. Your life and your future are at stake. Research shows that safety approved bike helmets reduce the risk of brain injury by over 85%. Forget the helmet head. Today's helmets are designed to look good and feel great. They are light, cool, comfortable, affordable, attractive and easy to wear.

You wouldn't buy a car without brakes, why buy a bike without a helmet? Helmets that meet safety standards are an investment you can't afford to overlook.

Don't just buy it. Wear it! Always wear a helmet whenever you ride. All bicyclists crash eventually. When it happens to you, your brain will thank you. Remember, even a low speed fall on a bike path can cause a brain injury.

Getting into the Helmet Habit

Bicyclists who choose their own helmets are more likely to wear them. There are a variety of helmet styles available. Choose a helmet that you will enjoy wearing.

• Start the habit early. As soon as a child gets their first set of wheels, whether it be a tricycle, a training bike or a bike trailer, they should be wearing a helmet for every ride.
• As a parent, always insist your child wears a helmet. The rule is simple - no helmet, no bike.
• Be an example for others. Wear your helmet for every ride.
• Talk to other people about the role helmets play in preventing bicycle-related brain injuries.

Choosing a Helmet

Make sure it meets the standards. Look for a Canadian Standards Association (CSA), Snell Memorial Foundation (Snell) or American Society of Testing and Materials (ASTM) standards sticker inside the helmet.

Make sure it fits. A good fit means that with the straps adjusted, the helmet is level on the head, touching all around, comfortably snug but not tight. You should not be able to move a well-fitted helmet in any direction.

Use the sizing pads for a comfortable fit and take time to adjust the chin straps.

Use a bicycle helmet - it only makes sense. Bike helmets are safety tested for the types of falls that happen when biking. Hockey, football or other sports helmets are not effective at preventing bike related brain injuries and are not for use when cycling.

Replace a helmet that has been in a crash. Even if it doesn't appear to be damaged, a helmet that's been in a crash could be weakened, and could pose a danger in another crash.

Become a Skilled Bicyclist

All cyclists share the responsibility of safe cycling. Learn the skills and rules necessary to protect yourself and others on the road and pathways.

Courses led by certified CAN-BIKE instructors are available for children and adults. These courses teach cycling skills and safety. For more information about courses in your area, contact the Alberta Bicycle Association at (403) 453-8518.

Updated April 2004