Helmet wearing among users of a public bicycle-sharing program in the district of columbia and comparable riders on personal bicycles

Am J Public Health. 2012 Aug;102(8):e23-5. doi: 10.2105/AJPH.2012.300794. Epub 2012 Jun 14.

Abstract

Bicycle-sharing programs are increasingly popular and have the potential to increase physical activity and decrease air pollution, but anecdotal evidence suggests helmet use is lower among users of bicycle-sharing programs than cyclists on private bicycles. We conducted a cross-sectional study to assess helmet use among users of a bicycle-sharing program in Washington, DC. Helmet use was significantly lower among cyclists on shared bicycles than private bicycles, highlighting a need for targeted helmet promotion activities.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Bicycling / statistics & numerical data*
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • District of Columbia
  • Female
  • Head Protective Devices / statistics & numerical data*
  • Humans
  • Male