Bicycle-Related Trauma Trends in a Region of Expanding Cycling Infrastructure.

This article examines trends in cycling-related trauma admissions at Washington Regional Medical Center (WRMC), the sole level II trauma center in Northwest Arkansas (NWA), from 2014 to 2022 amid a significant rise in regional cycling participation and trail use. Despite a 36% increase in trail use and a higher proportion of residents cycling regularly compared to national averages, the study found no significant increase in bicycle-related hospitalizations, injury severity, or police-reported crashes. The findings suggest that increased helmet use and expanded dedicated cycling infrastructure, including natural-surface trails, may have contributed to stable trauma rates by providing safer alternatives to on-road cycling. The study highlights the potential protective effects of infrastructure design and public health measures in mitigating cycling injuries despite growing participation.