Health department activities regarding nonmotorized small-wheel forms of recreation

The Stages of Change Model and perceived benefits and barriers to providing injury prevention activities for nonmotorized small-wheel forms of recreation by local health departments were used to determine the status of injury prevention activity. A questionnaire mailed to a national random sample of 600 health departments resulted in a response rate of 67%. Approximately 10% of health departments were in the action and maintenance stages of the Stages of Change Model in relation to nonmotorized small-wheel forms of recreation, while the majority (70%) was in the precontemplation stage. More than 98% of health departments agreed that there were benefits to providing nonmotorized small-wheel forms of recreation injury prevention activities, including "decrease injury," "increase likelihood of wearing recommended safety equipment," and "increase awareness of injury." The vast majority (96%) of health departments believed there were barriers to providing injury prevention activities, including lack of financial resources, not enough expertise, and not enough time.