The study, led by the University of New South Wales, in Australia, also found that wearing a helmet can reduce the chance of a fatal head injury by 65%.
Data was collected from a total of 64,000 cyclists from 43 previously conducted international studies, making it the largest review on cycling and helmets to date. The global nature of the research demonstrates the effectiveness and importance of wearing cycle helmets, wherever someone is in the world. The research also found that the risk of sustaining a general head injury is reduced by 51%, and facial injury by 33%, when a helmet is used.
It further dispelled the myth that wearing a helmet can cause mage to the neck. Peter McCabe, Chief Executive of Headway, said: “This research is yet another comprehensive piece of scientific evidence that proves the effectiveness of cycle helmets.
"This is further evidence to show that helmets save lives and can prevent people facing lifelong disability.
“At Headway, we know the devastating effects a brain injury can have and a number of people we support sadly sustained their injuries through cycling accidents. This is why we encourage all cyclists of all ages and experience to wear helmets, particularly vulnerable road users such as children who do not possess the same level of competency as adults.
"Our message to all is simple: use your head – use a helmet.”
The findings were presented at the International Injury Prevention Conference Safety in Finland earlier this week and was published in the International Journal of Epidemology, which can be read here: http://metro.co.uk/2016/09/22/wearing-a-bike-helmet-reduces-risk-of-serious-head-injury-by-almost-70-says-study-6144333/
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