Lori Paris Reports on New Research on Ontario's Bike Helmet Law

Lori Paris Reports on New Research on Ontario's Bike Helmet Law
Bike Helmet
New research out of Sick Kids Hospital takes a look at Ontario's bike helmet law, which requires children under the age of 18 to wear a helmet.
 
Listen to Lori Paris' Report.

The numbers, taken from 1991 to 2002, prove scientifically that the law helps prevent bike-related fatalities, with the number of deaths dropping from 13 a year before the law came into effect in 1995, to six once the legislation passed, a reduction of 52 percent.

The number of bike-related fatalities involving adults remained the same, about 22 deaths per year.

But study author Dr Patricia Parkin from Sick Kids Hospital says the research also showed certain neighbourhoods had fewer kids with helmets then others.

"We know there's a big economic gradient, meaning that children from lower income areas (wear their helmets less often) as compared to children that are observed cycling in higher income areas. In higher income areas, helmet use can be as high as 80 percent."

Parkin says the research shows that while Ontario's bike helmet law has drastically curbed the number of deaths, more needs to be done to enforce it to further reduce fatalities.

Related Media

CFRB's Silvana Aceto reports on cold case

CFRB's Silvana Aceto reports on cold case

Thu, 2009-01-08 12:03.
Silvana Aceto
Police are looking to speak to a person of interest who goes by the nickname, "Fugee".
Join our Facebook Group
Join our Facebook GroupConnect to CFRB and other listeners. All that's needed to join Facebook is a valid email address.  Discover who is talkin' on Facebook!
Note - You need to be a member of the 'Toronto ON' Network to join our Group....
more ...