School of Risk and Safety Sciences - Pedal Cycle Speed and Helmet Ergonomics Study

Pedal Cycle Speed and Helmet Ergonomics Study

Keep an eye out for us at Sydney Olympic Park on:

Saturday 27 September 2008, 9am – 2pm
Field Studies Centre, Bicentennial Park
Sunday 28 September 2008, 9am – 2pm Newington Armory Wharf
Thursday 2 Octber 2008, 9am – 2pm Field Studies Centre, Bicentennial Park

ABOUT THE STUDY

One of the primary functions of a protective helmet is to remain in place on the wearer’s head prior to and during an impact.

Current helmets designed to meet the Australian Standard AS/NZS 2063 are tested using rigid headforms that represent average human head dimensions for various body weights and heights based on dated anthropometric data. The fit and restraint of a helmet on an actual rider’s head must hence rely on custom fitment of the comfort foam padding and proper use of the restraint system.

As part of the ARC-funded project on helmet performance, our team are investigating helmet fit and restraint amongst the Sydney cyclist population.

In addition, data on typical riding speeds of the recreational and commuter cycling populations will be collected with respect to rider age, gender, anthropometry and riding experience. This data will be used as an aid in estimating impact speed in a larger prospective study on pedal cycle helmet performance in real-crashes.
We would like to invite you to participate in this study.

HOW FAST ARE YOU RIDING? DOES YOUR HELMET FIT?

We would like to measure your riding speed and examine your helmet fitment. Your participation in this study will include:

A brief survey/interview regarding your helmet use and riding experience
Anthropomtric measurements of your body mass, height and basic head dimensions
Inspection of your helmet
Measurements of the forces required to rotate your helmet on your head in various directions
Measurement of your speed as you ride your own bike

We do not anticipate that you will experience any discomfort due to your participation in this research, nor do we foresee any abnormal risks related to your involvement in the study. The interview will take approximately 25 minutes and will be done in person.

Participate to receive a Coles-Myer gift voucher!

All participants^* will receive a Coles Group and Myer gift voucher, redeemable at participating retail outlets.

Terms and Conditions apply (PDF)

ETHICS APPROVAL

Complaints may be directed to the :

Ethics Secretariat,
The University of New South Wales,
SYDNEY 2052 AUSTRALIA
Phone: 9385 4234
Fax: 9385 6648
Email: ethics.sec@unsw.edu.au).

If you have any queries about the study and/or would like more information regarding participation, please contact:

Dr Toh Yen Pang
Research Associate
Tel: (02) 9385 5992
Email: toh.pang@unsw.edu.au
Kim Thai
PhD Student
Tel: (02) 9385 9824
Email: k.thai@student.unsw.edu.au

This research is being supported by: