Increase Brain Injuries in Cities with Bike Share Programs

A recent study conducted by a group of Canadian and American researchers is showing that cities with bike-share programs see a higher incidence of traumatic brain injuries compared to cities that do not have these programs. According to an NPR news report, the researchers analyzed data on the treatment of serious brain injuries at trauma centers in five cities before and after bike-sharing programs were started – Montreal, Washington D.C., Minneapolis, Boston and Miami Beach. For comparison, they also looked at five cities that did not have bike-sharing during the study period.

This is what the researchers found. The proportion of head injuries attributed to bike accidents increased in cities after they implemented bike-sharing programs. Overall, there was a 14 percent greater risk of bicycle-related head injuries seen in victims admitted to trauma centers since bike-sharing programs were implemented. There was no such increase seen in control cities.
What Does This Study Mean?
Researchers say this basically confirmed their worries that the fact these bike-share programs do not provide helmets for riders would cause an increase in bicycle-related head injuries. The data obtained from this study is substantial enough that they feel the need to look more carefully as these types of bike-share programs, researchers say. The study recommends that cities promoting bike-share programs also facilitate helmet use among riders who participate in these programs.
Compensation for Injured Victims
Studies have consistently shown that helmets protect bicyclists from serious or even potentially fatal head injuries. Bicyclists who have been injured due to someone else’s negligence can seek compensation for damages including, but not limited to, medical expenses, lost wages and benefits, hospitalization, rehabilitation, permanent injuries, disabilities, past and future pain and suffering, etc. Brain injuries are often catastrophic, which means that injured victims may suffer permanent physical and mental disabilities. The cost of treatment, care and rehabilitation for such injured victims can run into millions of dollars over his or her lifetime.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a bicycle accident, please contact the experienced New York personal injury attorneys at the Law Offices of Kenneth A. Wilhelm who can help you better understand your legal rights and options. Our law firm recently recovered $5,600,000 for a man on a bicycle who was hit by a van, and $2,550,000 for another victim of a truck accident.
Please contact us TOLL FREE 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 1-800-WORK-4-YOU (1-800-967-5496). WE CAN EVEN COME TO YOU. There is no attorneys’ fee unless we recover money for you. We can also help with personal injury cases in New Jersey, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, or Florida. If you have been seriously injured in any of the 50 U.S. states, please call us and we will try to help you with your case.
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Source: NPR