Pedal cycling accidents--mechanisms and consequences. A study from northern Sweden.

During one year, 447 persons attended the University Hospital of Umeå (Sweden) because of bicycling accidents. The incidence was highest in children, falling with advancing age. The most common accident was falling off a bicycle on an uneven or slippery road. Collisions and objects interfering with the rear or front wheel were also common causes. A high percentage of the injuries involved the head, and one-third of these were major injuries. Almost one-fifth of the injured received in-patient care (average 6 days) and a similar number were paid sickness benefit (average 26.5 days). Costs for treatment and benefit were estimated as approx. 2200 Swedish kronor (SEK) per injured person (1 USD = 4:30 SEK, 1979, and 1984 = 8:20 SEK).