Causes and associated factors of mountain bike injuries in bike parks in western Austria: a two-season descriptive epidemiological study

Mountain bike terrain parks have become increasingly popular, particularly at ski resorts where chairlifts transport riders uphill to enjoy downhill cycling. These parks feature trails of varying difficulty with artificial obstacles designed for jumps and stunts, which contribute to a unique pattern of injuries. This retrospective epidemiological study analyzed mountain biking injuries in two bike parks in western Austria during the summer seasons of 2023 and 2024. The bike parks are located within two major ski resorts, where lifts transport riders and their bikes uphill. Injury data were systematically documented by bike patrols using an online reporting tool, while exposure data (number of biker visits and number of downhill rides) from one of the bike parks enabled the calculation of an injury rate. A total of 274 injured riders (81.8% male, mean age 30.2 ± 14.6 years), predominantly from Germany (65%), were recorded. Most injuries occurred between Friday and Sunday, primarily between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., with over 90% occurring during downhill cycling and 15% during the first ride of the day. Falls due to rider errors accounted for 77.4% of injuries, while 20.8% were linked to jump landings. The shoulder/clavicle region was the most frequently injured site (33.7%), followed by the upper extremities (26%) and the head/face region (17%). Fractures were the most common diagnosis, accounting for 52% of cases. Approximately one-quarter of injured riders required helicopter evacuation. The calculated injury rate was 4 injuries per 1000 visits or 6 injuries per 10,000 rides. In conclusion, injuries in bike parks predominantly affect men and are more frequent on weekends. Falls during downhill cycling are the leading cause, with fractures and injuries to the shoulder/clavicle region being the most common. These findings highlight the need for targeted prevention strategies and optimized emergency services to improve safety in bike parks.