Traditional bicycle helmets should be resigned to protect against facial injuries, a researcher has claimed.
Dr Bellal Joseph is the head of the University of Arizona's trauma, critical care and emergency surgery department.
He said bicycle helmets currently used 'fail to provide adequate protection to the middle and lower facial areas'.
In an article published in a prestigious medical journal, Dr Joseph suggested they would offer more protection if shaped like those used on motorbikes.
Dr Bellal Joseph is the head of the University of Arizona's trauma, critical care and emergency surgery department. He claimed that helmets currently used 'fail to provide adequate protection to the middle and lower facial areas'
Dr Joseph said: 'While helmets have a good protective effect for the upper head region and brain, the middle and lower facial areas remain relatively unprotected.
'The significant incidence of facial injury highlights the need for further emphasis on facial protection.
'Collaborative efforts are needed to mitigate the observed vulnerabilities to revolutionize current helmet designs.
'Clinicians involved in the management of facial trauma may potentially play an important role in raising awareness and advocating for these changes.'
Writing in JAMA Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Dr Joseph added that commuting trends have 'changed dramatically'.
The US Census Bureau estimated that there were 885,000 bicycle commuters in 2015 - signalling a 60 per cent increase in a decade.
Cycling UK estimates there are around 1.7million people in the UK who cycle every day, or most days.
Biking has become more popular across the world as authorities look to tackle sedentary lifestyles, air pollution and climate change.
Dr Joseph accepted scientific evidence shows helmets are protective across several types of injuries, including collisions with vehicles.
Their greatest strength is preventing severe brain injuries and reducing the severity of bleeds inside the skull, Dr Joseph said.
In an article published in a prestigious medical journal, Dr Joseph suggested they would offer more protection if shaped like those used on motorbikes
