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Helmet laws: Alberta

Introduction and scope

The Alberta helmet law came into effect from 1st May 2002. It applies to cyclists under 18 years of age and includes passsengers and toddlers on tricycles.

Compliance and enforcement

Not known.

Effect on casualties

In the three years prior to the law, % head injuries were relatively constant at just above 5%. In the six months following the law, % head injuries increased to above 10% for children and just under 10% for all age groups. () (based on data from 9 health regions)

Effect on cycle use

Surveys in Edmonton in 2000 (pre-law) and 2004 (post-law) suggest that cycling by children and teenagers has been significantly reduced compared with adults (59% children, 41% teenagers) (Hagel et al, 2006).

Benefit-cost

No data available.

References

BHRF, 1055

Head injuries up after Alberta law?. .

Hagel et al, 2006

Hagel BE, Rizkallah JW, Lamy A, Belton KL, Jhangri GS, Cherry N, Rowe BH, 2006. Bicycle helmet prevalence two years after the introduction of mandatory use legislation for under 18s in Alberta, Canada. Injury Prevention 2006;12:262-265.