Bicycle injury in Connecticut.

We reviewed vital statistics (1987-92) and hospital discharge data (1987-91) for Connecticut residents to describe the epidemiology of bicycle-related injuries in the state. Each year there are approximately eight deaths (rate = 0.25/100,000) and 289 hospitalizations (rate = 8.8/100,000) due to bicycle related injury. Nonfatal bicycle injuries resulted in 1,500 hospital days at a cost of $1.7 million dollars. Death and hospitalization rates are highest among male children and adolescents five to 19 years of age. Most of the mortality and serious morbidity from bicycle-related trauma is due to head injuries. Both fatal and nonfatal bicycle head injury rates are highest in towns with a population less than 50,000 residents. Bicycle-related head injury is an important cause of mortality and morbidity of Connecticut children and youth and is largely preventable through the use of bicycle helmets. The data presented here allow for the development, implementation, and evaluation of community-based bicycle safety and helmet programs.