Abstract
Bicycle-related injuries account for a significant number of emergency department visits each year, and head injuries are a frequent cause of disability and death in children. Because safety helmets have been demonstrated to decrease the rate of head injuries, helmet promotion programs, including education, helmet subsidies and legislation, have received increased attention. This review summarizes the studies which have evaluated the effectiveness of helmet promotion programs. Research demonstrates that legislation, combined with education and helmet subsidies, is the most effective strategy to increase use of safety helmets in child bicyclists. (A)