A good bike helmet protects your head from impact if you fall off your bike. It should fit properly and be visible to drivers and other bikers. A good helmet has a proper balance between ventilation and coverage. In most states, minors are required to wear a helmet, so finding a helmet your child will wear is critical. Remember, too, to provide a good example by wearing one yourself.
Composition
Most helmets are made of expanded polystyrene, EPS, which should be replaced after a fall. EPS, which resembles Styrofoam, absorbs the shock of a fall. A bike helmet's plastic shell keeps the inner foam intact after impact and also slides across the ground if you hit the pavement. In the United States, most helmets comply with safety standards, but look for the Consumer Product Safety Commission sticker.
Fit
The fit is a critical part of a good helmet. The helmet should fit flat across your head and not wobble. If it moves more than an inch in any direction, it doesn't fit. Try a smaller size. If the smaller size pinches, use the next size up and attach the pads that come with the helmet to ensure it won't slide around while riding. Also check the chin strap. It should fit snugly without choking you. It also shouldn't be so loose that it slides off your chin or is easily unbuckled.
Other Features
While vents provide more air circulation, they also reduce the amount of protective surface covering your head. The best helmets offer a good compromise between air flow and coverage. If you regularly ride in hot weather, you may need more air vents. Also consider the color of your helmet. A darker color is harder for drivers and other cyclists to see. If you choose a darker helmet, attach reflective stickers to it to increase your visibility.
Considerations
A good helmet is one you use regularly. If you go to the playground, take the helmet off your child's head so it doesn't catch on the equipment.
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