Risk compensation: a male phenomenon? Results from a controlled intervention trial promoting helmet use among cyclists

Am J Public Health. 2012 May;102 Suppl 2(Suppl 2):S204-6. doi: 10.2105/AJPH.2012.300711.

Abstract

Prevention tools are challenged by risky behaviors that follow their adoption. Speed increase following helmet use adoption was analyzed among bicyclists enrolled in a controlled intervention trial. Speed and helmet use were assessed by video (2621 recordings, 587 participants). Speeds were similar among helmeted and nonhelmeted female cyclists (16.5 km/h and 16.1 km/h, respectively) but not among male cyclists (helmeted: 19.2 km/h, nonhelmeted: 16.8 km/h). Risk compensation, observed only among male cyclists, was moderate, thus unlikely to offset helmet preventive efficacy.

Publication types

  • Controlled Clinical Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Accidents, Traffic / prevention & control*
  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Attitude to Health
  • Bicycling / injuries
  • Bicycling / psychology*
  • Competitive Behavior*
  • Confidence Intervals
  • Female
  • France
  • Head Protective Devices / statistics & numerical data*
  • Health Promotion / organization & administration*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Odds Ratio
  • Risk Factors
  • Risk-Taking*
  • Sex Distribution
  • Young Adult