In recent years, the need to wear a bike helmet has stirred debate among avid cyclists and safety experts. But research indicates that the potential for a helmet to prevent injury outweighs reasons for choosing not to wear one.
A study conducted by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) lists biking as the sport responsible for the most estimated emergency room-treated head injuries--over 151 thousand in one year, compared to baseball head injuries listed second at approximately 63 thousand. However, such statistics should not frighten new cyclists away from the sport. Well-designed and proper fitting bike helmets can prevent up to 88 percent of bicycle-related brain injuries, according to an industry estimate cited in Consumer Reports.
Bicycle helmets work by reducing force to the head caused by a sudden impact, most likely from hitting a car or tree or falling to the ground. Although other types of foams are used in more expensive models, most helmets are made from expanded polystyrene (EPS) inside a thin plastic shell. The foam cushions the blow by crushing. The shell holds the EPS together after impact and helps the helmet skid easily on the pavement without causing more damage to the neck.
What to Look for
A helmet should be snug, level and stable. It should fit the head comfortably yet stay in place upon impact, especially since accidents might involve your head being hit twice--once by a car and then on the pavement.
Begin the process of fitting a helmet to your head by adjusting the pads. Thicker pads can be added to the side for those with thinner heads. They can also be added to the back for shorter heads. The helmet should sit level just above the eyebrows.
Next you should adjust the straps. The side Y straps should fall slightly below the ears and the chin strap should be close to the chin. When you open your mouth wide, you should feel the helmet pull down a bit.
Now you can test the fit by shaking your head and then inserting you hand under the front edge of the helmet while pushing up and back. If you can move it more than an inch, you should adjust the Y-straps again. Reach to the back of the helmet and pull up on the back edge. If it moves more than an inch, readjust the back strap.
Common Pitfalls
Your helmet must fit correctly for it to function properly. Look for a CPSC sticker to certify that the helmet meets standards for sale in the US.
Helmets that have been worn during a collision should be replaced. Even when there are no visible signs of damage, the impact crushes some of the foam causing the helmet to not work as effectively.
Children should remove helmets before playing on playground equipment to avoid possible strangulation.
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