Even careful cyclists have a high risk of being involved in an accident, which usually involve head injuries. According to the Cleveland Clinic, 85 percent of these injuries would be prevented by wearing a bike helmet. Bike helmets are designed to protect your head by decreasing the force of impact. There are three major parts of bike helmets that work together to keep you safe--the liner, the strap and the shell.
Liner
The most important component of a bicycle helmet is the liner. The liner refers to the thick foam layer. The function of the liner is to cushion your head from the blow upon impact. Liners are usually made of Expanded Polystyrene Foam, according to the Bicycle Helmet Safety Institute. The liner of good helmets is reinforced with a strong material such as nylon or metal mesh. This reinforcement provides structural support so ventilation can be added to helmets.
Strap
The strap is another important part of your helmet. It is responsible for securing your helmet to your head while you are moving in case of an accident. The strap is really a combination of three components: the fabric, the stabilizer and the clip. The fabric of the strap is a resilient synthetic, commonly made from nylon or polypropylene. It is riveted to a helmet after it has been molded or added across the top of the helmet, then covered by a shell, according to the Bicycle Helmet Safety Institute. Higher-end helmets have an occipital stabilizer on their straps. This part may come in the form of a fabric or plastic piece that covers and secures protection over the back of your head where the occipital lobe of your brain resides. The fabric under your chin has a fastener to connect the helmet tightly to your head. These buckles are usually adjustable and are usually made from durable plastics that release when pinched.
Shell
Another important feature of bicycle helmets is their thin plastic outer shell. This shell covers the entire top surface of your helmet. This shell is crucial because it holds the foam and strap of your helmet together during a crash. Often there is more than one impact during an accident, according to the Bicycle Helmet Safety Network, and it is important that your helmet stays together and in place. Another benefit of this shell is that it is smooth, so it allows your helmet to skid along the pavement. This sliding motion will help protect your head and neck from being jammed into the road, according to Recreational Equipment Inc.
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