Fresno, California — As summer approaches, a local physician is stressing the importance of bike safety to prevent head injuries and fatalities among cyclists.
Dr. Anthony Yu of Kaiser Permanente Fresno highlights the significant risk to cyclists during the summer months. “CDC numbers say that over 100,000 cyclists are injured a year, and about 1,000 are killed a year,” Dr. Yu noted. The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) adds that cyclist deaths peak between June and September.
Dr. Yu emphasizes the importance of wearing a properly fitted helmet with a fastened chin strap. “It reduces the risk of head, face, and fatal head injuries by a great margin. We’re talking 60 to 70% reduction for head injuries as well as fatal head injuries, 33% risk reduction for a face injury,” he explained.
Concussions are a common type of head injury among cyclists, with symptoms ranging from light sensitivity and headaches to more severe issues like nausea, vomiting, and vertigo. These symptoms can persist for extended periods.
To enhance bike safety, Dr. Yu advises cyclists to use bike lanes, adhere to traffic signals, and remain vigilant of their surroundings. “Oftentimes if you’re riding on sidewalks, drivers aren’t paying attention to what’s going on in the sidewalk,” he warned.
Whether cycling locally or embarking on longer rides, prioritizing bike safety is crucial for an enjoyable and active summer.
