Bicycle helmets: overcoming barriers to use and increasing effectiveness.

Bicycle riding is a popular recreational activity among children, yet it is not without potential severe consequences such as traumatic brain injury and death. Despite available information attesting to the benefits of the use of bicycle safety helmets, many children still do not wear them. There are several promoting and discouraging factors that influence wearing bicycle helmets. The purposes of this article are to (1) explore current research and discuss these promoting and obstructing factors to child bicycle helmet use and to (2) provide recommendations for improving the compliance of bicycle helmet use among children. Results of the literature review have significant implications for improving the safety of children.