The study, published in the academic journal Accident Analysis & Prevention, collated the findings of 55 studies from 1989 – 2017 into the use of cycle helmets.
The use of cycle helmets was found to reduce head injury by 48%, serious head injury by 60%, traumatic brain injury by 53%, face injury by 23% and the total number of killed or seriously injured cyclists by 34%.
Cycle helmets were also suggested to be more effective in high-risk single cycle crashes, such as on slippery or icy roads, and among drunk cyclists than sober cyclists.
The figures reported in this systematic review are similar to those reported in a 2016 systematic review led by the University of New South Wales, in which data from 64,000 cyclists was collated to examine the use of wearing cycle helmets.
Peter McCabe, Chief Executive of Headway – the brain injury association, said: There is an overwhelming body of evidence proving the effectiveness of helmets in reducing the risk of cyclists sustaining life-changing brain injuries.
“This latest piece of comprehensive research is yet another part of scientific evidence that reinforces this fact.
“It also highlights that although cyclists can take every care to avoid accidents, at times there are simply things that are outside of their control, such as icy road conditions or other road users.
“Cycling is a fabulous way to keep fit and active and at Headway we are passionate about promoting safe cycling, while supporting measures to make it safer for people of all ages to take to their bikes and get pedalling.
“Sadly however, we also know easy it can be to sustain a brain injury and the devastating effects that can result. Our message to all cyclists is please use your head – use a helmet.”
To access the article, visit www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0001457518301301.
Reference: Høye, A. (2018). Bicycle helmets – To wear or not to wear? A meta-analyses of the effects of bicycle helmets on injuries. Accident Analysis & Prevention, 117, 85-97.
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