Bicycle helmets save lives

Re: Helmet Laws Won’t Help, Star Phoenix editorial, reprinted on Sept. 19. The major concern about a mandatory helmet bylaw for Saskatoon is that it will be difficult for low-income families to afford helmets. But is it better to have more brain injuries in this group? The Helmet Coalition is sensitive to this issue. This year, the Think First Foundation of Canada and the Saskatoon Health Region have together pledged a total of 1,600 bicycle helmets for the City of Saskatoon. We welcome corporate donations, and we are working with schools to distribute helmets to those children with the most need.

Cycling and other wheeled sports (skateboards, in-line skates, scooters) are healthy activities that should be promoted. Helmet bylaws have not been shown to discourage participation.

While the creation of more bicycle trails to segregate cyclists from motorized traffic is an important safety initiative, it is a long-term goal.

It is time for Saskatoon, and the province of Saskatchewan, to join with the majority of other Canadian jurisdictions and create a helmet law.

In my experience as a neurosurgeon, there is no question that helmets save lives and prevent serious injuries. The evidence is solid. Helmets are relatively inexpensive. By comparison, brain injuries are very costly to society and devastating to families and loved ones. Dr. Daryl R. Fourney, division of neurosurgery, Royal University Hospital; president of Think First Saskatoon Chapter, Saskatoon.