Statistical Analysis of Adult Cyclists’ Sociodemographic Factors and Helmet-Wearing Behavior

Abstract

Multiple studies show the benefits to biking safety of the use of helmets, but opponents to Bicycle Helmet Laws claim that a mandate on helmet usage would discourage cycling, therefore nullifying the advantages of helmet usage. It has been in fact shown that increasing the number of bicycle riders on the roads improves overall safety. At the end of 2019, however, the National Transportation Safety Board recommended the introduction of all-ages helmet laws to reduce fatalities involving cyclists. The goal of this research is to identify sociodemographic characteristics and cycling behaviors that are associated with the use and non-use of bicycle helmets among adults using statistical analysis of data collected via a survey questionnaire distributed in California, USA. The statistical analysis of data collected from adult participants in California helps to understand the relationship between adult cyclists’ sociodemographic factors and helmet-wearing behavior.