Cyclist safety in Malta : a review

Abstract

The promotion of safe cycling is a way to address physical inactivity, one of the risk factors for non-communicable diseases (NCDs). In the report Road safety in the European Union: Trends, statistics and main challenges (March 2015), 8% of all fatalities are cyclists. Bicycle helmets can reduce the risk of head and brain injuries and death. Most EU Member states have no requirement in legislation for bicycle helmets. Consequences of mandatory helmet legislation include decreases in head injuries and death, decreases cycling as a mode of transport, and increases helmet use. Other considerations, which influence bicycle accidents, need to be considered. In Malta there were three deaths due to cycling between 2006 and 2015. The number of Accident & Emergency (A&E) attendances with cycling related injuries increased between 2009 and 2015. The number of A&E attendances in the 0-19 age group decreased whereas the 20-39 and 40-59 year age groups increased. In 2013, there were 173 registered injuries in cyclists, with head, upper extremity and lower extremity involvement in 28%, 40% and 21% respectively. Recommendations include improving data collection, education campaigns, strong recommendation for helmet use in adults, to consider the introduction of mandatory helmet legislation in children and implementation of infrastructure measures to make roads more cycling friendly.