A telephone survey of 254 households was undertaken to determine changes in bicycle use, helmet wearing patterns and attitudes to the helmet wearing law. The survey was conducted on the last weekend in November 1993 to enable comparison with results from previous surveys in November 1991 and 1992, and the ABS Supplement Survey `Bicycle Usage and Safety", in October 1989. Data from the survey was weighted to match the Western Australian population. In November 1993, it was reported that 51% of the Western Australian population had cycled in the preceding twelve months. This is similar to 1989, where 48% of the Western Australian population cycled. The frequency for persons cycling weekly, monthly and yearly in 1993 was similar to 1989. The `Mandatory Helmet Wearing Law' was responsible for a small decrease in the frequency of cycling. Over two thirds of the sample, based on gender and location of residence, were reported to have worn a helmet on the last cycling trip. Children under the age of 14 years had the highest reported wearing rates, with respondents aged 45-54 years, and youths aged 15-24 years, having the lowest reported wearing rates. Over 60% of adults surveyed unconditionally supported the current helmet wearing law. (A)
Abstract