Helmets reduce your risk of head injuries during participation in recreational activities. Choosing the right helmet depends on the person's age, activity, head size and government safety regulations. Manufacturers make helmets to protect against the impacts common to specific activities. Bicyclers use different helmets for regular, BMX and downhill bicycling. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission enforces safety standards for bicycle helmets manufactured at 1999; however, wearing a poorly fitted helmet can render your helmet useless in protecting you against head injury.
Function
The construction of the helmet, which includes stiff foam to cushion your head, protects your head by reducing the impact. The plastic shell of the helmet helps your head slide, which prevents jerking of your head, if you hit the ground or road. Often, an accident causes more than one impact and a strong strap and buckle helps keep the helmet on your head. Foam pads inside the helmet improve comfort and fit. A proper fit allows the helmet's construction to do its job.
Measurements
Although manufacturers use different sizing charts for helmets, your head measurements help determine the size and shape helmet you need. Head measurements on sizing charts start with 18 ½ inches for toddlers and end with about 26 inches for extra-large heads. The Bicycle Helmet Safety Institute, or BHSI, recommends measuring the distance around your head above your eyebrows. Your hat size also helps determine your helmet size.
Sizes
Manufacturers' standard bicycle helmet sizes are toddlers, small, medium, large and extra large. Manufacturers' sizing charts match head measurements or hat sizes with the standard helmet sizes. The BHSI maintains a bicycle helmet sizing chart on its web site. Your head measurements help get you close to a proper helmet size, but you will need to try on the helmet and adjust the chin strap and pads to find the proper fit.
Fit
Your helmet should fit snugly and comfortably when placed on your head without any tilt to the front of back. A properly fitted helmet does not move in any direction when the chin strap is buckled. You should not be able to pull the helmet off when the chin strap is buckled. If adjusting the chin strap does not improve the fit, you might need to use the foam pads or rings supplied by the manufacturer of your helmet. Children should try on helmets to ensure proper fit before purchase. Some manufacturers make specially-sized helmets for large heads.
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