Development of a Swedish bicycle helmet promotion programme--one decade of experiences

OBJECTIVE: to describe 10 years of experiences of the Swedish National Bicycle Safety Programme which started during 1990 as part of an initiative taken by the World Health Organization (WHO). In relation to WHO's efforts with regard to accident and injury prevention, a global programme to increase helmet-wearing by two-wheel riders was launched. The idea was to introduce a simple 'vaccine' for everyone that was achievable at a low cost. The Swedish initiative was taken up by the Karolinska Institute and the National Institute of Public Health. METHOD: at an operational level, all available methods and data sources were utilized in the programme: surveillance of injuries, provision of information and advice, training and supervision, environment and product improvements, and legislation. RESULTS: considerable progress has been made in reducing bicycle-related injuries in Sweden over the last two decades. Cycling injuries among the elderly must be a matter of particular concern. CONCLUSIONS: our 10 years of experiences from a bicycle helmet promotion programme lead to the conclusion that there is a case for mandatory helmet wearing, as one of the most important strategies on the national level. But regional and community-based efforts will still need to be more comprehensive. Besides this, efforts must be made to intensify the activities of parties already involved in prevention programmes. New target groups must be approached, such as immigrants, vulnerable social groups, and teenagers. Sustainability of the Swedish Bicycle Helmet Initiative Group, including continued participation of group members and organizations, is the key--in the long term--to protecting Swedish bicyclists against head injuries.