Potential risks and user preferences of helmet-sharing program provided by Vancouver’s Mobi bike-share program

Abstract

Background: Mobi is a bike-sharing program in Vancouver, BC that provides helmets for use with each bike. There is little research documenting risks associated with helmet-sharing, but an evidence review has shown that there is the potential for transmission of diseases that are known or presumed to be transmitted via fomites. This study attempted to ascertain public opinion of helmet-sharing and whether concern over the cleanliness of shared helmets affected likelihood of wearing them. Method: A survey was conducted to determine if there is a relationship between concern with helmet cleanliness and likelihood of wearing shared helmets. The researcher conducted surveys in-person at randomly chosen Mobi docking stations. An online (SurveyMonkey) survey was also distributed using Facebook, Twitter, Reddit and email. Results: Chi-square tests performed using NCSS determined that there was a statistically significant association between helmet use on personal bikes and use of Mobi helmet when riding Mobi bikes (p=0.00029). There was also an association between whether users found cleanliness the most important factor in their decision to wear the Mobi helmet (of cleanliness, aesthetics, legal requirement, safety and comfort/fit) and likelihood of wearing the Mobi helmet (p=0.02038). There was no association found between level of concern for cleanliness of the helmet and likelihood of wearing it (p=0.54995). Conclusions: Based on the results, there is an association between concern with the cleanliness of shared helmets are and how likely users are to wear them. Users that were most concerned about safety were more likely to use the Mobi helmet during every ride. Those that were most concerned about cleanliness were least likely to wear the Mobi helmet. However, this study also concluded that some users chose not to wear the provided helmets for reasons other than concern for cleanliness. Further research is required to determine how this will affect the health and safety of Mobi Bike users.