Taiwan Quick Take: Cycling helmets save lives

On average, 185 people die in bicycle accidents in Taiwan every year, with the main cause of death being head injuries resulting from not wearing helmets, according to the results of study released yesterday. The study, conducted by Taipei Medical University in cooperation with the Bureau of Health Promotion, was based on an analysis of 9,371 bicycle accidents that took place between 1999 and 2002. It shows approximately 3,700 people are injured every year while riding a bicycle, with the 10-19 age group accounting for 36 percent and those 60 or above accounting for 34 percent. The study found that more than 90 percent of bicycle accidents occurred in good weather and on good roads. Chiou Hung-yi (邱弘毅), director of the university's Department of Public Health,said a lack of bicycle lanes often forces cyclists to use fast lanes, which increases the risk of accidents.