TY  - JOUR
PY  - 2016//
TI  - The impact of mandatory helmet-use legislation on the frequency of cycling to school and helmet use among adolescents
JO  - Journal of physical activity and health
A1  - Molina-García, Javier
A1  - Queralt, Ana
SP  - 649
EP  - 653
VL  - 13
IS  - 6
N2  - BACKGROUND: This paper analyzes changes in the frequency of cycling to school and helmet wearing after the introduction of a mandatory helmet law, and attempts to identify factors associated with the acceptance of helmet use. <br><br>METHODS: A mixed-method study was designed with a seven-month follow-up period (April 2014-November 2014). The initial sample included 262 students (aged 12 to 16 years) from Valencia, Spain. The data were collected by questionnaire and two focus-group interviews were conducted. <br><br>RESULTS: No significant changes in cycling-to-school behavior were found during the study period. Cycle helmet use improved, especially among boys, those who used their own bike, and among adolescents who lived within 2 km of school (P < 0.05 in all cases). The most common reasons given for not using a helmet were social factors. Peer-group pressure had a negative influence on helmet use among adolescents. Participants also indicated that helmet use is inconvenient, in particular among students who used the public bicycle-sharing program. <br><br>CONCLUSION: The implementation of the helmet-use law did not have a negative impact on the frequency of cycling to school. Our findings provide an empirical basis for designing educational interventions and programs to increase helmet use among adolescents.<p />  <p>Language: en</p>
LA  - en
SN  - 1543-3080
UR  - http://dx.doi.org/10.1123/jpah.2015-0566
ID  - ref1
ER  -