A bicycle helmet protects your head in the event of a fall. Chances are pretty high that you'll fall off the bike at some point or another, and the chances that you'll hit your head on the ground are also pretty high. Bicycle riders fall an average of every 4,500 miles, and head injuries incurred in bicycle accidents account for approximately 75 percent of the 700 annual bicycle deaths in the United States, according to the Bicycle Helmet Safety Institute (BHSI), which also states that bike helmets can prevent 85 percent of accident-related head injuries to cyclists.
Step 1
Visit a bike shop or discount store and look for a helmet with a "CPSC" (Consumer Product Safety Commission) sticker. This means that the helmet meets the standards set by the CPSC for safety.
Step 2
Try the helmet on your head. Make sure the helmet sits level on your head and covers as much of your head area as possible without shifting around. Buckle the chin strap and try to take the helmet off. It should not come off, no matter how much twisting or pulling you do.
Step 3
Look for a rounded helmet shell with no sharp points. A good helmet with have some vents for ventilation, but not so many that the interior foam doesn't make contact with your skull. Aerodynamic helmets have a tail that could snag during a fall.
Step 4
Inspect the helmet. Narrow chin straps won't be as comfortable as wider ones. Pick a brightly-colored or white helmet that motorists can easily spot in traffic. And while visors help shield your eyes from the sun, they can shatter in a fall from your bike.
Step 5
Ask the salesperson to ensure that the chin strap makes a V-shape around both of your ears. Ask for help tightening the straps so the helmet won't wobble on your head.
Tips and Warnings
- A bicycle helmet may be required in your state or municipality.
- Low-speed falls can also contribute to head injuries.
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