Last week, Science World Report had an interesting article that said that bike-share programs in major cities are having an impact on the number of brain injury cases occurring.
The news outlet reported that a study conducted by Canadian and American researchers of 10 locations, with and without bike-share programs, showed that in cities with the option, there was a 14 percent increase in the number of head injuries reported.
Additionally, in cities without bike-sharing programs, there was a 2.3 percent decrease in the number of head injury cases reported.
According to Science World Report, the data was collected from trauma centers. It indicated that a greater presence in the number of bicyclists on the road was not necessarily to blame for the increase in head injuries, rather, that the programs do not supply helmets for riders.
“Certainly the data are solid enough that we need to look more carefully at these kinds of programs,” said Andrea Gielin, director of the Johns Hopkins Center for Injury Research and Policy, according to Science World Report. “I think it’s an important study that raises some concerns that we need to pay attention to. When we’re trying to promote more bicycling, we need to do that in the context of increasing helmet use.”
As a result of the study, researchers said that bike-sharing programs should offer helmet rentals to users, and that the costs should be incorporated into planning and funding.
WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I MY LOVED ONE IS INJURED OR KILLED IN A NASHVILLE BICYCLE ACCIDENT?
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), tens of thousands bicycle accidents occur each year because of motorists failing to observe bikers in the U.S.
When these accidents occur, our Nashville injury lawyer is ready to offer support to victims by seeking compensation for injuries, which can be used to help pay for medical costs and other expenses.
Bicycle accidents involving vehicles can result in serious injuries like spinal cord injury, traumatic brain injury (TBI) or broken bones. Contact us today and fight back if a negligent driver has affected your family.
“Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.” – Matthew 24:35