How Safe is it… to NOT use a bicycle helmet when riding?

Kicking off our “How Safe Is It?” Feature

Teens and parents often wonder how safe something is. We understand that with so much information in the media, it can be confusing in terms of what the bottom line is so you can stay safe. In our new feature, we’ve taken the guess work out of finding the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about your health.


How Safe is it to NOT use a bicycle helmet when riding?

Answer:

Not safe. According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), thousands of people die each year from injuries caused by bike crashes. Head injury account for 62% of bike related deaths. When used properly, bike helmets lower severe and fatal head injuries that can be life-changing. In fact, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), bicycle helmets are up to 88% effective in lowering head and brain injuries, making the use of helmets the single most effective way to prevent head injuries and deaths resulting from bicycle crashes.

Read more: Bike Safety