Increased bicycle helmet use in Sweden: needs and possibilities

Increased bicycle helmet use in Sweden: needs and possibilities
Author :
Publisher : Linköping University Electronic Press
Total Pages : 97
Release :
ISBN-10 : 9789173738323
ISBN-13 : 9173738328
Rating : 4/5 (23 Downloads)

Synopsis Increased bicycle helmet use in Sweden: needs and possibilities by : Sixten Nolén

Background: From the perspective of what is called "vision zero" in Sweden, fatalities and injuries among bicyclists are unacceptable. Despite that, bicyclists constitutes approximately one third of all road user inpatients in Swedish hospitals, which is about the same proportion seen for drivers and passengers of motor vehicles. There are too many bicycle-related head injuries, but the risk of such traumas could be reduced considerably by the use of helmets. Bicycle helmet wearing can be increased by voluntary means, for instance by long-term community-based helmet promotion programs. However, the best effect has been achieved by combining promotion with a compulsory helmet law for all bicyclists, as has been done in Australia, New Zealand, and North America Aim: The general aim of the research underlying this dissertation was to provide further information about the need for increased bicycle helmet use in Sweden, and to determine what measures can lead to more widespread helmet wearing. The four papers included addressed two main questions: (1) What is the need for increased helmet wearing among different categories of bicyclists in Sweden? (2) Is a non-compulsory local bicycle helmet law a realistic alternative to a mandatory helmet law for all bicyclists? Materials and methods: Observational studies of helmet use by bicyclists in Sweden were conducted once a year (average n = 37,031/year) during the period 1988-2002 (paper I). The general trend in observed helmet wearing in different categories of bicyclists was analyzed by linear regression, and the results were used to predict future trends in helmet wearing. Three studies (papers II-IV) were also performed to evaluate a non-compulsory local bicycle helmet "law" in Motala municipality during the study period 1995 to 1998 (papers II-IV). This law was introduced in 1996 and applies specifically to school children (ages 6-12 years), although the intention is to increase helmet use among all bicyclists. Adoption of the law was accompanied by helmet promotion activities. In one of the studies in the evaluation, written material and in-depth interviews (n=8) were analyzed qualitatively to describe the process and structure of development of the Motala helmet law. The other two studies used a quasi-experimental design to assess the impact of the helmet law: one comprised annual observations of helmet wearing among bicyclists in Motala (average n=2,458/year) and control areas (average n=17,818/year); and the other included questionnaire data on attitudes, beliefs, and self-reported behavior of school children in Motala (n=1,277) and control areas (n=2,198). The average response rate was 72.8%. Results and discussion: There was a significant upward trend in helmet use in all categories of bicyclists from 1988 to 2002. Helmet wearing increased from 20% to 35% among children(? 10 years) riding bikes in their leisure time, from 5% to 33% among school children, and from 2% to 14% in adults. Total average helmet use rose from 4% to 17%. However, during the last five years of the study period (1998-2002), there was no upward trend in helmet wearing for any of the categories of bicyclists. If the historic trend in helmet use continues, the average wearing rate will be about 30% by the year 2010. The Motala helmet law was dogged by several problems, mainly during the initiation phase, and some of them led to poor rooting of the law in the schools and indistinct roles and responsibilities of the municipal actors. Despite that, the law initially led to a significant increase in helmet wearing among the primary target group (school children), from a pre-law level of 65% to about 76% six months post-law, whereas thereafter the wearing rate gradually decreased and was at the pre-law level 2 ½ years after the law was adopted. Nonetheless, a weak but significant effect on adult bicyclists remained: the pre-law level of about 2% rose to about 8% at the end of the study period. Only about 10% of bicyclists on bike paths in Motala wore helmets 2 ½ years post-law. The questionnaire study showed one significant effect on school children in Motala two years post-law, namely, a stronger intention to ride bicycles if a national compulsory helmet law was introduced. There was, however, no significant long-term influence on children's attitudes or beliefs about helmet wearing, which agrees with the results of the observational study. General conclusions: It is indeed necessary to increase bicycle helmet wearing in Sweden. Both the current average rate of helmet use and the rate predicted for the near future are far from the goal of 80% that was officially proposed by several years ago. Previous research has shown that, to achieve substantial and sustained bicycle helmet use, it is necessary to use helmet promotion in combination with a national helmet law that is compulsory and applies to all bicyclists. The present evaluation of the non-compulsory local helmet law in Motala indicated that this type of initiative is not a powerful alternative to a mandatory national helmet law. Nevertheless, much has been learned from the initiation and implementation of this local action.

Entrepreneurship

Entrepreneurship
Author :
Publisher : SAGE Publications
Total Pages : 561
Release :
ISBN-10 : 9781483383514
ISBN-13 : 1483383512
Rating : 4/5 (14 Downloads)

Synopsis Entrepreneurship by : Heidi M. Neck

From Heidi Neck, one of the most influential thinkers in entrepreneurship education today, Chris Neck, an award-winning professor, and Emma Murray, business consultant and author, comes this ground-breaking new text. Entrepreneurship: The Practice and Mindset catapults students beyond the classroom by helping them develop an entrepreneurial mindset so they can create opportunities and take action in uncertain environments. Based on the world-renowned Babson Entrepreneurship program, this new text emphasizes practice and learning through action. Students learn entrepreneurship by taking small actions and interacting with stakeholders in order to get feedback, experiment, and move ideas forward. Students walk away from this text with the entrepreneurial mindset, skillset, and toolset that can be applied to startups as well as organizations of all kinds. Whether your students have backgrounds in business, liberal arts, engineering, or the sciences, this text will take them on a transformative journey.

Integrated Strategies for Safety and Environment

Integrated Strategies for Safety and Environment
Author :
Publisher : Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development
Total Pages : 106
Release :
ISBN-10 : UOM:39015041736862
ISBN-13 :
Rating : 4/5 (62 Downloads)

Synopsis Integrated Strategies for Safety and Environment by : Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development. Road Transport Research Programme

HRIS Abstracts

HRIS Abstracts
Author :
Publisher :
Total Pages : 592
Release :
ISBN-10 : RUTGERS:39030038618411
ISBN-13 :
Rating : 4/5 (11 Downloads)

Synopsis HRIS Abstracts by :

The Complete Travel Guide for Uppsala (Sweden)

The Complete Travel Guide for Uppsala (Sweden)
Author :
Publisher : Youguide International BV
Total Pages : 119
Release :
ISBN-10 :
ISBN-13 :
Rating : 4/5 ( Downloads)

Synopsis The Complete Travel Guide for Uppsala (Sweden) by :

"The Complete Travel Guide" Series offers a comprehensive exploration of diverse destinations worldwide. Each book provides detailed insights into local culture, history, attractions, and practical travel tips, ensuring travellers are well-prepared to embark on memorable journeys. With vibrant illustrations, beautiful pictures and up to date information, this series is an essential companion for any type of traveller seeking enriching experiences.

Cycling for Sustainable Cities

Cycling for Sustainable Cities
Author :
Publisher : MIT Press
Total Pages : 489
Release :
ISBN-10 : 9780262362009
ISBN-13 : 0262362007
Rating : 4/5 (09 Downloads)

Synopsis Cycling for Sustainable Cities by : Ralph Buehler

How to make city cycling--the most sustainable form of urban transportation--safe, practical, and convenient for all cyclists. Cycling is the most sustainable mode of urban transportation, practical for most short- and medium-distance trips--commuting to and from work or school, shopping, visiting friends, going to the doctor's office. It's good for your health, spares the environment a trip's worth of auto emissions, and is economical for both public and personal budgets. Cycling, with all its benefits, should not be reserved for the fit, the spandex-clad, and the daring. Cycling for Sustainable Cities shows how to make city cycling safe, practical, and convenient for all cyclists.

Popular Mechanics

Popular Mechanics
Author :
Publisher :
Total Pages : 140
Release :
ISBN-10 :
ISBN-13 :
Rating : 4/5 ( Downloads)

Synopsis Popular Mechanics by :

Popular Mechanics inspires, instructs and influences readers to help them master the modern world. Whether it’s practical DIY home-improvement tips, gadgets and digital technology, information on the newest cars or the latest breakthroughs in science -- PM is the ultimate guide to our high-tech lifestyle.

Transport Planning and Traffic Safety

Transport Planning and Traffic Safety
Author :
Publisher : CRC Press
Total Pages : 356
Release :
ISBN-10 : 9781315351278
ISBN-13 : 1315351277
Rating : 4/5 (78 Downloads)

Synopsis Transport Planning and Traffic Safety by : Geetam Tiwari

In recognition of the importance of road safety as a major health issue, the World Health Organization has declared 2011-2021 the Decade of Safety Action. Several countries in Europe, North America, and Asia have been successful in reducing fatalities and injuries due to road traffic crashes. However, many low-income countries continue to experience high rates of traffic fatalities and injuries. Transport Planning and Traffic Safety: Making Cities, Roads, and Vehicles Safer offers a source book for road safety training courses as well as an introductory textbook for graduate-level courses on road safety taught in engineering institutes. It brings together the international experiences and lessons learned from countries which have been successful in reducing traffic crashes and their applicability in low-income countries. The content is based on lectures delivered during an international course on transportation planning and traffic safety, sponsored annually by the Transportation Research and Injury Prevention Programme (TRIPP) at the Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi. The book is interdisciplinary and aimed at professionals—traffic and road engineers, vehicle designers, law enforcers, and transport planners. The authors examine trends in performance of OECD countries and highlight the public health and systems approach of traffic safety with the vulnerable road user in focus. Topics include land use (transportation planning, mobility, and safety), safety education and legislation, accident analysis, road safety research, human tolerance to injury, vehicle design, safety in construction zones, safety in urban areas, traffic calming, public transportation, safety laws and policies, and pre-hospital care of the injured.

Encyclopedia of Renewable Energy, Sustainability and the Environment

Encyclopedia of Renewable Energy, Sustainability and the Environment
Author :
Publisher : Elsevier
Total Pages : 4061
Release :
ISBN-10 : 9780323939416
ISBN-13 : 0323939414
Rating : 4/5 (16 Downloads)

Synopsis Encyclopedia of Renewable Energy, Sustainability and the Environment by :

Encyclopedia of Renewable Energy, Sustainability and the Environment, Four Volume Set comprehensively covers all renewable energy resources, including wind, solar, hydro, biomass, geothermal energy, and nuclear power, to name a few. In addition to covering the breadth of renewable energy resources at a fundamental level, this encyclopedia delves into the utilization and ideal applications of each resource and assesses them from environmental, economic, and policy standpoints. This book will serve as an ideal introduction to any renewable energy source for students, while also allowing them to learn about a topic in more depth and explore related topics, all in a single resource.Instructors, researchers, and industry professionals will also benefit from this comprehensive reference. - Covers all renewable energy technologies in one comprehensive resource - Details renewable energies' processes, from production to utilization in a single encyclopedia - Organizes topics into concise, consistently formatted chapters, perfect for readers who are new to the field - Assesses economic challenges faced to implement each type of renewable energy - Addresses the challenges of replacing fossil fuels with renewables and covers the environmental impacts of each renewable energy