Dan Walker, a well-known journalist and presenter, was recently involved in a cycling accident while riding his bike. The incident highlights the importance of wearing a helmet while cycling in order to prevent brain injuries.
Commenting on the story, Amanda Barmby, Therapy Service Manager at Headway Norfolk and Waveney comments, “As an Occupational Therapist working for a brain injury charity, my goal is to help individuals with brain injuries regain their independence and quality of life. I have witnessed first-hand the devastating impact that brain injuries can have on individuals and their families. That is why I am a strong advocate for wearing a helmet when cycling. A helmet is a simple yet effective way to reduce the risk of severe head and brain injuries, which can be life-changing. I strongly encourage all cyclists to wear a helmet when cycling.”
Headway Norfolk and Waveney, a charity organisation that supports individuals who have been impacted by brain injury, are acutely aware of the impact that brain injuries can have on individuals and their families. That is why they are strong advocates for wearing a helmet when cycling.
Dan Walker's cycling accident serves as a reminder of the risks involved in cycling and the importance of taking steps to minimise those risks. According to reports, he was fortunate to escape with only minor injuries. However, this is not always the case. Brain injuries resulting from cycling accidents can be life-changing and can affect an individual's quality of life in a profound way.
Wearing a helmet while cycling is one of the most effective measures that cyclists can take to reduce the risk of severe head and brain injuries. The design of a helmet is specifically created to absorb and distribute the force of an impact, thereby reducing the chance and severity of head and brain injuries.
Research has also shown that cyclists who wear helmets are less likely to suffer from severe head and brain injuries than those who do not. The Centre for Road Safety found that a cyclist's risk of a serious head injury was reduced by 70% when wearing a helmet.
Chief Executive Officer of Headway Norfolk and Waveney, Michael Kitching added, “As CEO of a brain injury charity, I cannot stress enough the importance of wearing a helmet when cycling. Brain injuries can be devastating, and many of them are preventable through simple measures like wearing a helmet. We have seen countless individuals whose lives have been changed forever due to a brain injury caused by a cycling accident. Wearing a helmet can significantly reduce the risk of severe head and brain injuries, and it is crucial that all cyclists make it a habit to wear one.”
Headway Norfolk and Waveney encourage all cyclists to make wearing a helmet a habit, regardless of their experience or ability. They also encourage parents to instil this habit in their children from an early age, to establish safe cycling practices.