Since 1988, observational studies of bicycle helmet usage in Sweden have been carried out annually by the VTI. The 1997 study was the tenth in this series and was sponsored by the Swedish National Road Administration (SNRA). The aim of the measurements is to describe changes in bicycle helmet usage in Sweden. The measurements were carried out through observations of cyclists in 21 municipalities in Sweden. The same municipalities and sites have been used since 1988. The 1997 study contains data from all 21 municipalities, in which 157 sites and about 49,000 cyclists were observed. The observations have focused on four target groups: (1) Children (up to 10 years); (2) Children (nine-year compulsory school); (3) Adults (workplaces); and (4) Public cycle paths (children and adults). The results show increased helmet usage in 1997 among young children (up to 10 years) and adults who cycle to work. Other categories of cyclists show no increase in helmet usage since 1996. Among cyclists on public cycle paths, there is even a tendency towards decreasing helmet usage. Total average helmet usage continues to follow an upward trend, which in 1997 is estimated at 16%. (A)
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