@article {IversA127, author = {RQ Ivers and L De Rome and S Boufous and T Senserrick and D Richardson}, title = {Characteristics of injured off-road cyclists}, volume = {18}, number = {Suppl 1}, pages = {A127--A127}, year = {2012}, doi = {10.1136/injuryprev-2012-040590f.6}, publisher = {BMJ Publishing Group Ltd}, abstract = {Background Despite increasing popularity of off-road cycling, data on injury in off-road riders are rarely reported. This study aimed to describe characteristics of a sample of injured off-road cyclists. Aims/Objectives/Purpose Phone interviews were conducted with adults presenting to Canberra or Calvary Hospitals in Canberra with a cycle related injury between November 2009 and May 2010; medical records were accessed to verify patient data. Results Of 372 eligible cyclists, 84.1\% (n=313) participated; 111 (35.5\%) were riding off-road. Of off-road riders, most were riding mountain bikes (76\%), 93 (84\%) were male, compared to 74\% overall and more were aged 17{\textendash}25 (28\% vs 22\%). Most (63\%) were riding on designated off-road trails, 22\% in BMX- or skate{\textendash}parks; 33\% of cyclists involved in off-road crashes reported {\textquoteleft}riding for thrills{\textquoteright} compared to 5\% in other cyclists, with the most common risk behaviour being downhill speeding. More off-road incidents involved a fall (93\% vs 65\% of all riders) but fewer involved collisions (6\% vs 25\%); more off-road riders were recreational riders (73\% vs 43\%) and more reported previous crashes (72\% vs 60\%). Most common injuries were bruises, abrasions and sprains; 36\% had fractures. Most common injury sites were shoulder, elbow and hand. Helmet usage was higher for off-road riders (89\%) compared to those riding on footpaths (71\%) or cycle lanes (68\%). Significance/Contribution to the Field A high proportion of injured cyclists were recreational, off-road riders. Although more research is needed, injury prevention programmes for off-road riders might focus on management of risky riding behaviours and hazards in the riding environment.}, issn = {1353-8047}, URL = {https://injuryprevention.bmj.com/content/18/Suppl_1/A127.2}, eprint = {https://injuryprevention.bmj.com/content/18/Suppl_1/A127.2.full.pdf}, journal = {Injury Prevention} }