The Saskatchewan Medical Association is calling on the provincial government to make wearing a helmet mandatory for all cyclists in the province.
Saskatoon physician Dr. Mahli Brindamour says helmets are essential in preventing brain injuries.
“As a pediatrician, I believe it’s time for Saskatchewan to do its part in improving cyclist’s safety in the province,” she said.
“I have seen many children suffer traumatic brain injury after falling from their bicycle, and those injuries are absolutely preventable.”
The SMA approved a resolution in fall 2016, urging the province to enforce a helmet-use law. Brindamour said she hopes legislation is put forth as soon as possible.
“These laws have been shown not only to increase helmet wearing among cyclists, but also keeping cyclists on the road which is really what we want,” she said.
“It's also been associated to a decrease in facial and brain injury associated to cyclist accidents."
According to the SMA, about 700 young people are hospitalized in Canada each year from bicycle-related injuries. Of that, about 20 people die each year and 50 people suffer permanent disability.
Saskatchewan and Quebec are the only two provinces in Canada without a mandatory helmet law for cyclists.
