Bicycle traumata are very common and especially neurologic complications lead to disability and death in all stages of the life. This review assembles the most recent findings concerning research in the field of bicycle traumata combined with the factor of bicycle helmet use. The area of bicycle trauma research is by nature multidisciplinary and relevant not only for physicians but also for experts with educational, engineering, judicial, rehabilitative or public health functions. Due to this plurality of global publications and special subjects, short time reviews help to detect recent research directions and provide also information from neighbour disciplines for researchers. It can be stated that to date, that although a huge amount of research has been conducted in this area more studies are needed to evaluate and improve special conditions and needs in different regions, ages, nationalities and to create successful prevention programs of severe head and face injuries while cycling.

Photo: How a helmet saves your life: When you bump your head, the hard outer shell (black) spreads the impact over a wide area. The whole of the soft inner liner (orange) then absorbs the energy evenly so (hopefully) there's minimal damage to your head.Without the helmet, the entire impact would be concentrated on a tiny part of your head, very likely fracturing your skull and quite possibly damaging your brain too.