Safest Bike Helmets

In 1996, the Consumer Products Safety Commission found that, out of 566,400 bike-related injuries treated in emergency rooms that year, 30 percent involved injuries to the head and face. Using this data, the CPSC developed safety standards for bike helmets that were still in use as of 2010. A safe bicycle helmet can help you avoid serious or even fatal injuries. Head injuries cause 75 percent of the 700 bicyclist deaths each year, according to the Bicycle Helmet Safety Institute.

Outer Shell

Some shell materials are stronger than others, but they also might be more expensive. Polyethylene terephthalate plastic, when used as an outer shell, becomes stiff, hard, strong and stable. Less expensive bike helmets use PET plastic. Polycarbonate plastic makes a nearly unbreakable shell, even when struck repeatedly. Fiberglass is resistant to damage and environmental extremes and is stronger than sheet metal or steel. No matter which material you choose, look for a bike helmet that has reflective paint on its outer shell to make it more visible to motorists. In addition, the helmet should have smooth, round edges that allow it to slide rather than snag on impact, causing less damage to the head and neck.

Inner Shell

Helmet inner shells are made with expanded polystyrene foam, expanded polypropylene or expanded polyurethane. Although all three products are safe, EPS is the best and most common, according to the International Police Mountain Bike Association. EPS foam crushes and absorbs the impact during a crash and withstands a wide range of extreme weather conditions. A single-mold construction of EPS foam molded with the outer shell is much stronger than bike helmets made in two pieces and taped together. Two-piece helmets can separate on impact and might not protect you from head injuries.

Comfort and Fit

A bike helmet won't protect you during an accident if you do not have a proper, comfortable fit. Your helmet should fit snugly with no pressure points to cause discomfort and should sit flat on top of your head without tilting forward, backward or side to side. A correctly fitting helmet sits against your forehead and rests one inch above your eyebrows. Good ventilation is necessary to keep your head cool, but do not choose a bike helmet with too many or too large vent holes, which can allow loose objects to penetrate the helmet. A built-in retention system allows you to customize your helmet's fit and keeps it in place during a crash. Choose larger straps, rather than smaller ones, to provide better security and comfort.

Standards

All bike helmets made for use in the United States must pass CPSC standards. These helmets carry a CPSC sticker to confirm that they meet the minimum safety standards set by the commission. The CPSC tests bike helmets for how well they protect the head during collisions. The tests also include how well a helmet covers a child's head if they are under 5 years old. The commission tests for the strength of the chin strap and buckle and looks for the ability of the wearer to see 105 degrees to the left and right while facing straight ahead. The retention system is tested to see how effective it is in preventing the helmet from falling off the head during impact. To pass the safety standards test, the helmet must have all the proper safety labels, instructions and warnings.