PEDIATRIC MOTOR VEHICLE-BICYCLE COLLISION INJURIES

Traffic related bicycle injuries are a major cause of pediatric trauma. This study was designed to determine if characteristics of the child, circumstances, outcome and injuries differ by location of the traffic related bicyclist event. This sample consisted of 247 bicyclists: 28% crossing at midblock, 49% crossing at an intersection, 23% riding in the street. Children crossing midblock were younger, playing (generally with other children), and sustained a greater number of injuries and hospital admissions compared to those injured while crossing at an intersection or those riding in the street. Children injured in the midblock traffic related bicycle events are clearly not following the "rules of the road." There is a need to evaluate the age at which a child has developed the appropriate motor and cognitive skills necessary to safely bicycle in traffic.