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A MADYMO simulation model was created to analyze the kinematics of a bicycle rider during a frontal collision with a rigid object. The model was validated using a series of crash tests in which rider trajectory was captured with high-speed photography. The test bicycles were equipped with either traditional fixed or suspension front forks. Impact speeds varied from 22.5 to 31.0 kph to cover a range of fork response from minor bending to significant bending and fracture. The predictions of simple particle trajectory analysis were found to approximate rider motion. Rider motion was relatively unaffected by hand and foot “connections” to the bicycle. Furthermore, the rider connection to the bicycle was insufficient to create any significant rider deceleration as a result of bicycle fork deformation.

There is a paucity of data regarding the potential for pediatric cervical spine injury as a result of acceleration of the head with no direct impact during automotive crashes. Sled tests were conducted using a 3-year-old anthropomorphic test device (ATD) to investigate the effect of restraint type and crash severity on the risk of pediatric inertial neck injury. At higher crash severities, the ATD restrained by only the vehicle three-point restraints sustained higher peak neck tension, peak neck extension and flexion moments, neck injury criterion (Nij) values, peak head accelerations, and HIC values compared to using a forward-facing child restraint system (CRS). The injury assessment reference values (IARVs) for peak tension and Nij were exceeded in all 48 and 64 kph delta-V tests using any restraint type.