[Accidents with bicycles and motorcycles. The injury pattern, costs, and possibilities for prevention]

This review comprises all 641 patients subjected to inpatient treatment in 1976, 1980 and 1984 at the Basel district hospital after accidents involving bicycles or motorcycles. A study of the case histories--supplemented by phone conversations--yielded the following results: Accidents involving bicycles or motor-driven bicycles were seen in all age groups, but motorcycle accidents occurred exclusively among the younger generation. Whereas motorcycle accidents mostly happened during joyrides, accidents with bicycles or mobikes mainly occurred on the way to work. The incidence rate was highest during summertime and in the rush hours at noon or in the evening. Motorcycle accidents resulted in more severe injuries, longer hospitalisation, longer periods of disability and higher costs than bicycle or mobike accidents the latter being mainly characterised by mostly slight head injuries and the former by injuries of the legs and arms.