Cycling is a popular activity for children and adults alike, and it provides several health benefits. Besides improving your cardiovascular health, it tones your lower body. However, cycling can also be dangerous. More than 1,000 people in the United States die from bicycle-related injuries every year, mostly to the head, according to Safe Kids Oregon. Wearing a bike helmet whenever you go riding is one way to avoid life-threatening injuries.
How Helmets Protect Your Head
The main part of the helmet that protects your head during an accident is the thick layer of firm polystyrene or plastic foam inside the tough outer shell, which can be made of plastic, fiberglass or a much thicker layer of polystyrene. During a bicycle accident, the polystyrene crushes, allowing the helmet to absorb a lot of the force of the impact, while the outer shell holds the helmet together. Bike helmets can reduce severe head injuries by up to 85 percent, according to Safe Kids Oregon.
Troubling Trend
Despite helmets' abilities to save lives, not everyone has bought into their benefits. Only about 50 percent of bike riders in the United States wear a bike helmet every time they cycle and 43 percent never wear them, reports the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. Several factors might make you less likely to wear a helmet, such as not appreciating the risk of suffering a head injury and how effective helmets are at lowering that risk. Cost, appearance and the snug fit of helmets are other possible reasons.
Safety Standards
Helmets in the United States must meet two recognized performance standards: the American National Standards Institute and the Snell Memorial Foundation. The Snell standard is more rigorous than the ANSI standard. Any helmet you buy must meet either one of these standards. You can also look for a label indicating that the helmet is approved by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. Any helmet that has been in a crash should be replaced with a new one, as the foam could be damaged, which makes it less protective.
Other Considerations When Buying
Look for a helmet that fits snugly, which means you shouldn't be able to wobble it around on your head. If you have long hair, buy a helmet with a ponytail port. Make sure the strap doesn't block your vision. If you cycle at night, choose a light-colored helmet or one with lights.
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