NICA Safety Study


NICA’s commitment to safety

At NICA, the safety of our community is paramount. Our safety study is a vital tool that collects and analyzes injury data to enhance our risk management protocols and promote a safe riding environment.

Purpose of the safety study

The study serves the mountain biking community as the largest and most comprehensive mountain biking injury surveillance system in the world. With the knowledge gained from this data, NICA serves as a leader in making the sport of mountain biking safer.

The safety study, managed in partnership with the University of Utah Sports Medicine, allows us to monitor injury trends while ensuring compliance with HIPAA standards. The insights gained from this study are instrumental in shaping our policies and training initiatives aimed at reducing injury rates across our leagues.

Key Components of the Study

  1. Participation Data: We track the number of student-athletes participating in all practices and league events. This data is essential for understanding the frequency of injuries in relation to time spent on bikes, providing a fuller picture of safety needs.
  2. Injury Reports: When an injury occurs, we gather detailed information on the type of injury, circumstances surrounding it, and the rider’s return-to-play date. This information helps us identify patterns and improve safety measures.