A study of seven Seattle area hospital emergency departments and two county medical examiner’s offices shed light on bicycle injuries and risk factors for serious injury. There were 3854 injured cyclists reviewed over a three year period. 3390, or 88%, completed questionnaires about their injuries. 51% were wearing helmets at the time of crash. 22.3% of patients had head injuries and 34% sustained facial injuries.
Risk of serious injury was increased by collision with a motor vehicle, cyclists who self-reported speeds of greater than 15 mph, those under 6 years of age, and cyclists over the age of 39 years, as compared with adults 20-39. Risk for serious injury was not affected by helmet use.
-Source: Injury Prevention, January 2015