The rate of emergency departments (ED) visits for bicycle-related traumatic brain injuries (TBI) and concussions decreased by almost half (49%) among children, but only by 6% among adults between 2009 and 2018 according to a new report in CDC’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.

Key findings from the report, “Emergency Department Visits Due to Bicycle-Related Traumatic Brain Injuries Among Children and Adults — United States, 2009-2018,” also show that:

• There were more than half a million estimated ED visits for bicycle-related TBI in the U.S. during the study period.
• The rate of ED visits for bicycle-related TBI decreased by almost half (49%) among children age 17 and under, and by only 6% among adults during the study period.
• Among all age groups examined, ED visits for bicycle-related TBIs were highest for children ages 10-14 years.
• The rate of bicycle-related TBI ED visits among males of all ages was three times greater than among females.

Bicycling is a great physical activity and is growing in popularity among Americans. Findings in this report highlight the need to expand effective bicycle safety interventions such as improving compliance to traffic laws, helmet use and bicycling infrastructure. These can help children and adults enjoy the benefits of bicycling and stay safe from injury, including TBIs.

Additional Information:

• CDC’s HEADS UP initiative to improve prevention, recognition, and response to concussion and other serious brain injuries.
• CDC’s Traumatic Brain Injury website featuring data, reports, and fact sheets.
• CDC’s Mild Pediatric TBI Guideline to help healthcare providers take action to improve the health of their patients.