We are making this plea following new findings that confirmed 70 percent of cyclists treated for brain injury in the national neurosurgical centre at Beaumont Hospital, were not wearing a helmet.

The research also found that cycling had the highest numbers for referral to the neurological centre at 86 cases, followed by Gaelic football at 30 cases and horse riding at 23.

As many of us may know, wearing a helmet is not new advice. In 2016, Australian researchers showed how cycle helmets reduced the risk of serious head injury by nearly 70% and the risk of fatal head injury by 65%.

Today, 26 September, marks European Day Without A Road Death which encourages motorists to be aware of others using the road and to be particularly mindful of vulnerable road users including cyclists.

Statistics published in 2018 by the Road Safety Authority (RSA) showed that as many as 153 pedal cycle users experienced serious injuries on Irish roads and a further 778 cyclists reported minor injuries. Helmet wearing was not captured. The RSA’s provisional review of fatal collisions confirmed 9 cyclist fatalities for 2018.

Acquired Brain Injury Ireland also reminded the public that it doesn’t have to be as dramatic as a road collision for a cyclist to come of their bike. Other causes can include:

• Greasy surface
• Faulty mudguard
• Bump on the road
• Cardiac event