Wearing Your Helmet Correctly
As anyone who has ever suffered a
bicycling accident or even a “close call” knows, your helmet is a vital element of cycling safely. But just wearing a helmet is not enough – you need to ensure that your helmet fits.
- The helmet should fit flat on the top of the head, not too far forward or too far back.
- The two helmet straps should form a “V” right under the ear.
- Leave enough room for one finger under the chin inside the strap. It should be taut but not choking – you should be able to talk to your friends.
With a helmet fitted correctly, you can enjoy a safe ride on your bike. In addition to protecting your head, helmets with reflective trim increase visibility by motorists. Also, wearing a helmet indicates to passers by that you are a responsible cyclist.
Helmet Shopping…
Most importantly, buy only helmets that are ASTM, ANSI, or Snell approved. When trying on a helmet, choose the one that fits the best before making any adjustments. Use the extra padding that comes with a helmet to make sure it’s snug.
Facts:
- Helmets are 85% effective in protecting against head injury.
- Helmets keep you cooler in the summer by protecting from direct sun and warmer in the winter with a little insulation from wind and cold.
