More than 600 people died while riding their bicycle in 2009, states the U.S. Department of Transportation. You can minimize your risk of serious injury or death by wearing a bicycle helmet while you're riding your bike. Dozens of bicycle helmet models are on the market and they're not all made alike. Knowing what to look for during your comparison shopping can help you find the helmet that's best for you.
Safety Certification
Verify that the helmets you're comparing hold the seal of approval of the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. This seal may be placed directly on the helmet or on the helmet box in the form of a sticker or a printed icon. Since 1999, the government commission has issued approvals for helmets that meet its standards when it comes to the helmet's ability to protect the head during a fall, crash or collision. Helmets that don't bear this seal may not satisfactorily protect your head and should not even be considered.
Check Fit
Even the world's best helmet won't adequately protect your head from injuries if it doesn't fit well, warns the Bicycle Helmet Safety Institute. For the best fit, your head should be in contact with the inside helmet on all sides and it should feel snug. Give the helmet a wiggle while you're wearing it. If it moves farther than an inch in any single direction, it's too big.
Inspect for Flaws
Sometimes, a helmet may become damaged during shipping, handling or while on a store's shelf. Any structural blemishes instantly cripple the helmet's ability to protect you and reduce its chance of holding up under impact. Check the helmet on the inside and outside and watch for dents or cracks in its plastic shell or inner foam, as well as any areas where the foam may be crumbling. If you see any of these symptoms, don't buy the helmet.
Test for Weight
Some bicycle helmets use more plastic, heavier buckles and other types of construction that make them heavier than their counterparts. The best option for you is a matter of personal choice. Test the helmet by wearing it and swinging your head up and down. If you find the helmet to be uncomfortably heavy, try a different make or model.
Price IS Last Factor
If the helmets you're comparing are equal in all other aspects, go with the cheapest option. Price isn't an indicator of the helmet's safety or quality. In fact, "Consumer Reports" magazine notes that a $10 helmet can be just as safe as a $200 helmet. Pick any model that's within your price budget.
References
- U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission: CPSC Issues New Safety Standard for Bike Helmets
- U.S. Department of Transportation: Traffic Safety Facts
- ConsumerReports.org: Cheap Bike Hlemets Offer Same Protection as Expensive Ones
- Bicycle Helmet Safety Institute: A Buyer's Guideto Bicycle Helmets
- Stanford University: How Can I tell if My Helmet is Old and I Need a New One?
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