Mountain Bike- Related Injuries On A Decline
The number of mountain bike related injuries in the United States has fallen considerably since the mid-1990s, a new study shows. The decrease is likely because of a combination of factors, said the researchers.
"While some of the decline may be explained by a decrease in the number of people riding mountain bikes, there have also been a number of improvements to the bicycle design, such as disc brakes and dual-suspension systems, that help to reduce the incidence of mountain bike injuries," the study author said.
The most common types of mountain bike-related injuries are fractures and soft tissue injuries. Overall, men suffered more mountain bike related injuries, but women were more likely to suffer injury serious enough to require hospitalization. The study also found that riders aged 14 to 19 sustained twice as many traumatic brain injuries as mountain bike riders of other ages.