Bicycle-Related Injuries

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• Nearly 150 Oklahomans are hospitalized each year for bicycle-related injuries.
• In 2011, more than 300 pedal cyclists (including bicycles, tricycles, etc.) were involved in traffic crashes on Oklahoma roadways. More than one-third of these crashes involved children age 18 and under, and more than one-third occurred in a residential setting.
• From 2006-2010, 27 Oklahomans died of bicycle-related injuries.
• National estimates show 15-25% of children wear a helmet while riding a bicycle.
• Three-fourths of fatal head injuries to children riding bicycles could have been prevented with a helmet.
• In the U.S., every $11 spent on bicycle helmets yields $570 in benefit to society.

Prevention

• Choose the right size bicycle for each child – not one to grow into.
  • Children should be able to sit on the seat with their feet flat on the ground.
  • Handlebars should be within reach, and hand and foot brakes easily operated.
• Never let your child ride without a helmet.
• Be a role model and wear a helmet when you ride.
• Children should wear brightly-colored clothing to be more easily seen by motorists.
• Equip your child’s bike with:
  • Reflectors on the side and rear of bicycle
  • A fluorescent flag on a pole
  • A horn or bell
• Never allow children to ride double.
• Teach your children to obey all road signs and traffic signals.
• Children should walk their bicycles across busy intersections.
• Children should ride single file on the side of the road, with the flow of traffic.
• Use bike trails or sidewalks whenever possible.

Internet Resources

• Bicycle Helmet Safety Institute
• Kids Health: Bike Safety for Kids
• Kids Health: Bike Safety for Parents

Injury Prevention Service, OSDH, 1000 NE 10th Street, Oklahoma City, OK 73117
Revised February 2013

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