Describing Injury Patterns and Risk Factors of Regular Bicycle Related Accidents of Patients Admitted to the Emergency Treatment Centre of Karapitiya Teaching Hospital, Galle

Background: Bicycle riding is a widely used mode of transportation in rural Sri Lanka, particularly in the Galle District. This study aims to examine the patterns of injuries and identify the risk factors associated with regular bicycle-related accidents. Methods: A descriptive population study was conducted at the Emergency Treatment Centre of Karapitiya Teaching Hospital, Galle, Sri Lanka, to evaluate injury patterns and risk factors associated with regular bicycle-related accidents. The study included regular bicycle riders of all ages and genders, with a specific focus on those who use standard bicycles. Off-road, electric, and race bicycles were excluded from the study. Results: Data was collected from 348 patients who sustained bicycle-related injuries. Among them, 233 (66.95%) were adults aged over 18 years, while 115 (33.04%) were minors under 18 years. Of the total participants, 281 (80.74%) were male. The injuries identified were 228 abrasions, 61 contusions, 46 lacerations, 35 fractures, 8 dislocations and 5 concussions. The regions injured were 193 upper limb injuries, 105 lower limb injures, 10 chest injuries, 13 abdominal injuries, 7 pelvic injuries and 4 spinal injuries. Environmental risk factors included 47 rainy weather incidents and 108 nighttime riding. Road-related risk factors consisted of 96 narrow roads, 43 bendy roads, 19 roads under construction, 21 roads with intersections and 19 dusty roads. Bicycle-related factors included the absence of lights in 44 and absence of bells in 20. Human-related risk factors included 27 with poor vision, 18 with hearing impairment, and 66 with alcohol consumption. No participants wore helmets or safety appliances. Conclusion: Injuries resulting from blunt force trauma, such as abrasions, contusions, lacerations, and fractures, were most commonly observed in regular bicycle riders. Other significant injuries included those affecting the chest, abdomen, pelvis, and spine. Various risk factors contributing to these injuries were identified, including environmental conditions (e.g., rain and nighttime riding), road conditions (e.g., narrow, bendy, or under-construction roads, as well as intersections and dusty paths), bicycle-related factors (e.g., lack of lights and bells) and human factors (e.g., poor vision, hearing impairments, and alcohol consumption). While limb injuries were the most frequent, head injuries were also prevalent across all age groups and had the potential to result in serious morbidity and mortality. The use of helmets is a critical preventative measure for reducing head injuries. Additionally, the risk of limb injuries, particularly in children, can be minimized through the use of appropriate safety gear. To further reduce the occurrence of accidents and injuries, the implementation and enforcement of road safety rules for bicycle riders is essential.