Cycling supports the health, mobility and independency of the aging population. However, elderly cyclists have an increased injury risk. On average, the risk of older people to sustain an in-jury in a cycling accident is 3.2 times higher per cycling kilometre than for non-elderly and it is increasing with age. In comparison with younger adults (<65 years), the risk of hospitalization is more than 4 times higher for the older adults (>65 years). The aim of this study was exploring which demographic, bicycle or personal factors are associated with cycling accidents and whether such factors can predict a bicycle fall. Therefore, 760 cyclists aged 65 years and older were requested to fill out a questionnaire which included questions on, among others: age, gender and living environment (demographics); bicycle type, model and engine position (bicycle specifications); physical and mental impairments and confidence (personal characteristics). A univariate model was used to study the relationship between topics from the competed questionnaires and falling off a bicycle. The univariate model showed that age, physical and mental impairments, bicycle model, living environment, uncertainty of the cyclist and adjustment of cycling behaviour were associated with falling of a bicycle. Multivariate analyses were used to build a predictive model. The following factors stayed in the model: age (odds ratio (OR)=1.068; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.037-1.100; P=0.00), mental impairments (OR=2.985; CI=2.168-4.111); P=0.00) and living environment (OR=2.044; CI= 1.4727-2.927; P=0.00). In conclusion, several factors were associated with falling off a bicycle and might in-crease the fall risk by a factor 2 to 3 in the elderly population. This has to be taken into account when implementing new cycling related safety measures or material. (Author/publisher)
Abstract