Bicycle helmets reduce head injuries. For that reason, many public safety groups endorse bike safety laws that require cyclists to wear helmets, especially if the laws target young riders. To learn what regulations exist in your region, contact your local public safety department. Consider adding wrist guards and kneepads to your safety equipment list if you participate in races or off-road cycling.
Function
Bicyclists encounter many risks on the road: cars, curbs, potholes, garbage cans, other bicyclists and more. Slamming into any of these can pitch a rider off a bike, possibly leading to serious or even deadly head injuries. Properly worn, a bicycle helmet lessens the risk of brain injury by as much as 88 percent and the risk of other head injuries by as much as 85 percent, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Warning
After 1999, helmet manufacturers had to meet stricter quality control standards and safety specifications. If you bought your helmet before then, replace it immediately. Look for a sticker that says the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission approved the helmet. This ensures the helmet complies with federal safety standards.
Proper Use
If your helmet doesn't fit or you wear it incorrectly, it will not provide adequate protection. Center the helmet on your head. If it does not fit snugly, try a smaller size. Fasten the buckles so that the chin straps are taut but not constricting. Look in a mirror to ensure the helmet's position is correct. The brim of the helmet should be one- or two-finger widths above your eyebrows. Yawn widely as a final test. If you feel the helmet pull down on your head, the fit is correct.
Local Bike Safety Programs
Contact a local bike safety program to learn more about bike safety equipment. Libraries and community centers often provide public safety classes for free or nominal fees. If you have children, enroll them in a bike safety program at their school. Learning about road hazards and why it is important to wear helmets trains your children to bike safely even when not under your direct supervision.
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