Head Injuries (TBI)
Head injury is the leading cause of death in bicycle crashes and is the most important determinant of bicycle-related death and permanent disability. Nearly half (47%) of children ages 14 and under hospitalized for bicycle-related injuries are diagnosed with traumatic brain injuries (TBI). Head injuries account for more than 60 percent of bicycle related deaths.
Children ages 10 to 14, especially males, have the highest death rate of all ages from bicycle related head injury. This is probably because helmet use declines as children grow older.