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The Seattle children's bicycle helmet campaign
A B Bergman1, F P Rivara, D D Richards
1Harborview Injury Prevention and Research Center, Seattle, WA 98104.
American Journal of Diseases of Children (1960)
|June 1, 1990
Summary
A community campaign significantly increased bicycle helmet use among Seattle schoolchildren by educating parents, lowering costs, and addressing child reluctance. This initiative demonstrated a successful strategy for promoting child safety and reducing head trauma risks.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Injury Prevention
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- Bicycle head trauma is a major cause of death and disability.
- Helmet use among schoolchildren in Seattle was very low in 1986.
- Protective helmets can significantly mitigate bicycle-related head injuries.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe a multifaceted campaign to increase bicycle helmet usage among schoolchildren.
- To address parental concerns, helmet affordability, and children's reluctance to wear helmets.
- To evaluate the campaign's effectiveness in a real-world setting.
Main Methods:
- A coalition of health, bicycle, and helmet industry organizations was formed.
- Key objectives included educating parents on risks, reducing helmet prices, and overcoming children's resistance.
- Helmet sales and usage rates were tracked over a 3-year period.
Main Results:
- Sales of one youth helmet brand in Seattle increased from 1,500 to 22,000.
- Observed helmet usage among Seattle schoolchildren rose from 5% to 16%.
- A control community (Portland, Ore.) showed only a minimal increase in helmet usage (1% to 3%).
Conclusions:
- A coordinated, multifaceted campaign can effectively increase bicycle helmet usage in children.
- Addressing parental awareness, affordability, and user acceptance is crucial for success.
- This intervention demonstrates a viable public health strategy for reducing head trauma in young cyclists.