Cycling accidents a summer concern for ACC in Hawke’s Bay

* Correction: The first version of this story incorrectly stated cycling was responsible for the most ACC claims in Hawke’s Bay in 2024.

Accidents caused while cycling are one of several outdoor activities ACC has highlighted as having high injury claims and cost in Hawke’s Bay in summer.

Up to November 1 in 2024, road cycling caused 901 new ACC claims in the region at a cost of $1.7 million, and mountain biking with 143 claims cost $407,000.

Falls are the biggest ACC claim every year making up around 39% of all claims nationally. But over summer, the ACC injury prevention team is highlighting some classic sun-soaked activities that are creating higher costs than they should in the Bay.

They include not just cycling but also swimming with 227 claims ($1.2m) in 2024, surfing with 124 claims ($126,000), beach and sand injuries with 357 claims ($563,000), and barbecuing injuries with 48 claims ($126,000).

ACC injury prevention leader James Whitaker wants people to enjoy the summer, but to think about ways to manage injury risks.

“ACC supports people to recover from injuries, but it’s always much better if people aren’t injured in the first place,” Whitaker said.

He reminded bike riders they could do several things to help keep themselves safe.

“Check your bike’s condition using ABC, A for air – do your tyres have the right pressure; B for brakes – are both brakes working properly; and C for chain – check your chain isn’t loose.

“Check you’ve got the right safety gear and that it fits you properly. Make sure your helmet meets New Zealand safety standards and when fitting it, use the two-four-one method.”

Also on two wheels, ACC accepted 4152 mountain biking claims nationwide in 2023 at a cost of $21m.

Whitaker said all mountain bike riders should make sure their bike was ride ready.

“We recommend that people stick to trails that match your skills and experience,” he said.

“Ease into things on your first couple of runs – checking the trail, so you know where you’ll land if you’re going to jump.

“Remember that where you look is where you’ll go – keep your eyes on the track or path you wish to take rather than obstacles or the scenery.”

It was also important for cyclists to stop in places where they were not in the way of other riders.

About 85% of New Zealanders visit the coast every year and half of them are active in the water.

In 2023, ACC accepted 7551 swimming-related claims at a cost of $31m.

“Most drownings and water-related injuries are preventable if we all take time to assess the risks,” Whitaker said.

Surfing is the leading cause of ocean-related injury every year.

Last year, ACC accepted 5582 surfing claims nationally at a cost of $13m.

“Monitor the conditions and the risks before you get out there, then take the safest options. If you’re in doubt, finding something else to do might be the best option.”

After a day on the beach or on the trails, take care when cooking dinner on the barbecue.

Last year ACC accepted 1003 barbecue-related injuries nationwide, at a cost of $2m to help people recover.

The leading types of injury were soft-tissue injuries, laceration/puncture/stings, and burns.

Males were about twice as likely to suffer a barbecue-related injury than females.

“Most injuries are predictable and therefore preventable,” Whitaker said.

“You don’t want to spend your summer holiday in A&E.”