As the popularity of pedal power grows, a team of Queensland University of Technology researchers is investigating the injury risks faced by different cycling groups.
Through an online survey launched by QUT's Centre for Accident Research and Road Safety - Queensland (CARRS-Q), bike riders are being encouraged to share their cycling experiences in a bid to discover which groups are most at risk of injury.
Leading the study, Professor Narelle Haworth said cyclist numbers had increased dramatically in the past few years driven by rising fuel costs, health concerns, traffic congestion and government initiatives including the implementation of bike paths.
"It is generally considered the health and economic outcomes of cycling will be positive and numerous initiatives have been developed to increase cycling rates," Professor Haworth said.
"But the majority of knowledge about cycling use and injury patterns pre-dates the boom in participation, so we don't really have a good understanding of the risk factors associated with various types of cycling."
She said not all cyclists were the same.
"Some are kids, some are adults, some are people who cycle for fun, others cycle for fitness and others cycle as a sport," she said.
"This study will look at which groups are most at risk of injury - whether that is as a result of crashes involving vehicles, crashes involving other cyclists or even crashes involving trees or potholes."
Professor Haworth said in 2006 police reported on-road bicycle fatalities and serious injuries had cost Queensland $34.5 million, but hospital records for the same time revealed two to three times as many cycling injuries.
"If we can obtain accurate information about bicycle use patterns including demographic data, riding patterns, crash experiences, riding experiences, use of protective gear and perceived cycling risk factors, we can then look at developing safety initiatives that protect riders," she said.
"This will also help to address misconceptions about cycling risks and promote safety behaviours that have been demonstrated to work.
"For example, it may be the case that downhill mountain biking is not as dangerous as on-road riding because mountain bikers wear tough protective clothing and therefore are less likely to be seriously injured."
The survey is available at www.carrsq.qut.edu.au/cyclingsurvey.jsp or by phoning Amy on 3138 4944. All riders can go into a monthly draw to win cycling jerseys and safety equipment.
To coincide with the launch of the survey, a team from QUT will don their bicycle helmets and take part in the Brisbane to Gold Coast Challenge on October 11.
Professor Haworth said the QUT team had been preparing for the 100km ride for the past few months, training every Saturday morning to ensure they had the stamina to last the distance.
"This has been a great experience for everyone. We've got academics and staff from across the different faculties and based at all of QUT's campuses, it is really a fantastic team effort," she said.
The QUT study has been funded by a Queensland Health Trauma Research grant.
Media contact: Rachael Wilson, QUT media officer, 07 3138 1150 or rachael.wilson@qut.edu.au.
