The Dark Side of MTB: Why Spinal Injuries Are a Growing Concern

Mountain biking (MTB) has become a thrilling escape for outdoor enthusiasts, pushing limits with daring descents and rugged terrains. But lurking behind the adrenaline is a growing public health crisis — spinal cord injuries (SCIs). Recent research reveals alarming trends, highlighting the need for serious awareness and prevention efforts.

The Study That Opened Our Eyes

Over a 14-year span, a Level 1 trauma center in British Columbia (BC), Canada, recorded 58 cases of SCIs linked to mountain biking accidents. The study, conducted from 2008 to 2022, painted a stark picture:

• Demographics: The average age of injured riders was 35.5, with 93% being male.
• Injury Severity: Nearly half of the cases (27 individuals) involved motor-complete SCIs, including tetraplegia (14 cases) and paraplegia (13 cases).
• Economic Toll: The lifetime costs of these injuries are staggering:
  • Motor-complete tetraplegia: $4.8M CAD per patient
  • Motor-incomplete paraplegia: $1.6M CAD per patient
  • Total cost for 58 patients: $195.4M CAD

Comparing Risks: MTB vs. Other Sports

SCIs in mountain biking far outpace injuries in sports traditionally seen as high-risk. For instance:

• Ice Hockey: Only 3 SCIs were reported in BC during the same 14-year period.
• American Football: The entire U.S. averages 7.1 SCIs per year, despite a population 60 times larger than BC.

Mountain biking injuries, by comparison, are disproportionately high — an average of 4 SCIs annually in a province of just 5.3 million people.

The Anatomy of MTB Injuries

Most injuries occurred during high-speed descents in popular bike parks, with Whistler, BC, accounting for 36% of cases. Riders were frequently launched over their handlebars, resulting in:

• Thoracic/Pulmonary injuries (36%)
• Upper extremity fractures (36%)
• Facial lacerations/fractures (34%)

Despite helmets being nearly universal, protective body armor was rare, underscoring a significant gap in safety practices.

A Call for Action

As mountain biking grows in popularity, so does the urgency to address these preventable tragedies. Key recommendations include:

1. Rider Education: Emphasize technique, fatigue management, and the importance of riding within one’s skill level.
2. Safety Gear: Encourage helmets with facial protection, impact-resistant lenses, gloves, and body armor.
3. Trail Design: Implement safer course layouts with speed limits and clear signage.
4. Public Awareness Campaigns: Learn from hockey’s "Heads Up, Don’t Duck" campaign to promote safe biking practices.

BC has already seen some success with its "Shred Safe" initiative in 2016, but more targeted efforts are needed, especially as MTB culture expands.

Why It Matters

SCI isn’t just an individual tragedy — it’s a societal burden. Beyond the medical costs are the long-term impacts on families, caregivers, and the healthcare system. Advocacy and partnership with bike parks, manufacturers, and rider communities are essential to reducing these devastating injuries.

Mountain biking promises exhilaration and freedom, but it’s time to ensure that thrill doesn’t come at the cost of lives shattered by preventable spinal injuries.

Take Action, Ride Safe

Whether you’re an MTB enthusiast or a casual rider, remember that prevention starts with you. Equip yourself with the right gear, know your limits, and support initiatives that prioritize safety in the sport we all love.