Most Saskatchewan bike riders 12 and older never use helmets: StatsCan

Of all provinces, Saskatchewan has the highest percentageof bicycleriders12 and older who don't wear helmets, Statistics Canada says.

According to a study released earlier this month, about 39 per cent of bike ridersacross Canadasay they never wear a helmet.

However, in Saskatchewan, the rate is 57 per cent, which is highest of the 10 provinces. (The territory of Nunavut has a higher rate of81 per cent).

The statistics were collected in 2013 and 2014 as part of the Canadian Community Health Survey.

Saskatchewan's high rate of those who never use helmets may be connected to the lackof a mandatory helmet law.

Saskatoon resident Daryl Bode believes it's common sense to use helmets and people shouldn't need a law to know that.

"You want to protect yourself and protect your kids? Strap on a helmet," Bode said.

Other Saskatoon residents including Andy Maningas said helmets should be mandatory.

"Nowadays it's kind of a crucial thing to have the right equipment, especially for bicycling. I know there's been a few accidents where somebody didn't have one, and he had some serious health issues in the long run," Maningas said.

The report notes that as of 2014, bicycle helmet use was mandatory in British Columbia, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island.

In Ontario, Manitoba and Alberta, the legislation only applies to children under 18.