In Monday, May 17th’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) highlighted a new report that indicates that the rate of emergency departments (ED) visits for bicycle-related traumatic brain injuries (TBI) and concussions decreased by almost half (49%) among children, but only by 6% among adults between 2009 and 2018. Key findings from the report, “Emergency Department Visits Due to Bicycle-Related Traumatic Brain Injuries Among Children and Adults — United States, 2009-2018,” also show that:
- There were more than half a million estimated ED visits for bicycle-related TBI in the U.S. during the study period.
- The rate of ED visits for bicycle-related TBI decreased by almost half (49%) among children age 17 and under, and by only 6% among adults during the study period.
- Among all age groups examined, ED visits for bicycle-related TBIs were highest for children ages 10-14 years.
- The rate of bicycle-related TBI ED visits among males of all ages was three times greater than among females.
Findings in this report highlight the need to expand effective bicycle safety intervention, such as improving compliance to traffic laws, helmet use and bicycling infrastructure. These can help children and adults enjoy the benefits of bicycling and stay safe from injury, including TBIs.