‘If in doubt, sit them out’ – British Cycling publishes first concussion guidance

We admit we’re a little surprised to see this headline – we had sort of assumed British Cycling already had policies about this. We’ve been writing st …

By stwhannah

Get the full story on our front page at:

https://singletrackworld.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/if-in-doubt-sit-them-out-british-cycling-publishes-first-concussion-guidance/

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BC is more concerned about cyclists upsetting dead monarchs than the actual well being of cyclists…..

Whilst is it great to see BC moving things forward, I also think it would be good to recognise that there isn’t necessarily a one size fits all approach to concussion (more properly referred to as ‘mild traumatic brain injury’/mTBI). It’s also good to see the cycling media have been increasing awareness of the issues over the past few years, but maybe suprising that cycling bodies/authorities seem only slowly to be recognising the potential significance. Also, it is good to see Singletrack alerting BC to the helmet safety issue point, and also noting the emerging evidence regarding repeated brain insults. We might also want to consider within such official advice the ‘window of vulnerability’ i.e falling off your bike soon after a concussion, and do’s/don’t’s to facilitate recovery.

For context, I’m a Consultant Neuropsychologist specialising in traumatic brain injury….and I came off my bike just over 4 weeks ago and gave myself a mTBI, knocking myself out properly. I found the early recovery really difficult and confusing despite all the theory I know, and the countless patients I have assessed and treated. Regarding my own TBI, it all seems good now, but it perhaps serves to illustrate that every accident/injury/brain/recovery is different, and needs to be treated as such.

It’s good advice, irrespective of whether you are in a BC sanctioned event or cycling at any time. My experience is stopping the (potentially) injured rider from continuing and getting them to recognise their possible, non-visible injury is difficult. We all like to dust ourselves down, say ‘I’m fine’ and carry on.