Bike injuries spiked by nearly 80 per cent during the Greater Sydney lockdown as cooped up kids let off steam outdoors.
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In the months from June 26, when the lockdown began, to October 14, when it ended, injuries from riding bicycles increased by 78 per cent compared to the same period last year, NSW Health said.
Over that period, 173 children and adolescents were admitted to The Children's Hospital at Westmead and Sydney Children's Hospital, Randwick, compared to just 97 during the same period last year.
Trauma surgeon Susan Adams said while exercise was an important way to manage mental health children needed to take care when riding.
"Older children and teenagers need to make sure they are taking care in traffic, riding to their skill level, and not being too daring with jumps," Dr Adams said on Tuesday.
"Most importantly though, they need to make sure they are wearing a helmet.
"This simple measure can be the difference between a great day out and one ending in tragedy."
Wearing a helmet reduces the risk of a head injury by 60 to 90 per cent.
Australian Associated Press
