Mountain Biking Spinal Cord Injuries Surpass Hockey and Other High-Risk Sports

New research from UBC's Faculty of Medicine reveals a shockingly high number of spinal cord injuries from mountain biking, exceeding those from hockey and other high-risk sports. Between 2008 and 2022, 58 people in British Columbia sustained spinal cord injuries while mountain biking, compared to only 3 from ice hockey. In recent years, mountain biking-related injuries have been seven times higher than those from skiing and snowboarding. The annual number in BC rivals or surpasses those from amateur football across the entire US. The study, published in *Neurotrauma Reports*, found most injured were healthy young men (93% male, average age 35.5). 77.5% were injured after going over their handlebars. While most wore helmets (86.3%), this didn't eliminate risk. The estimated lifetime cost of these injuries to BC is $195.4 million. The study calls for increased awareness and a discussion on safety improvements.