David Smith’s Bicycle Fatality Report
Via Kent Peterson:
Fatal Study - Smith
An interesting report and analysis of bicycling deaths in the Seattle area. I point to it also because it supports some of my own feelings on bike safety; ride predictably, wear a helmet and be visible.
Stay safe out there.
2 Responses to “David Smith’s Bicycle Fatality Report”
I don’t take any credit for the report, i’m just linking to it. You might contact Kent Peterson, from whom i found the article, for more information. It seems to me that the follow-up questions about helmets, lights, etc. are pretty reliable.
As far as helmet effectiveness, there have been a couple of recent studies that claim they aren’t effective in reducing head injuries, but my non-scientific, anectdotal experience tells me that helmets prevent a lot of injury in minor, unreported accidents. I think that’s where their real value lies, in preventing concussion in what is otherwise a minor crash.
You’ve compiled a powerful review that I will share with the members of the Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia. Do you think the facts regarding helmets, reflectors and lights provided by the local PD are pretty reliable? The only thing I would take issue with is your conclusion about wearnig a bike helmet to reduce head injury - my best understanding is that there actually no evidence to suggest that wearign helmets reduces head injuries. I wear a helmet because it makes sense to me to do so, not because of reliable evidence. If you are aware of any studies to the contrary, please share them - they would be powerful tools. Again, thanks for this.