Show All Answers

1. Why wear helmets?

• Professional and amateur athletes in many sports wear helmets. Football, hockey and even baseball players wear helmets. Cyclists need protection for the special risks they face, too.
• Brain injuries are usually the most serious injuries a bicycle rider will sustain. Helmets prevent many of these injuries or reduce their severity.
• Studies in the U.S. and elsewhere have shown that bike riders wearing helmets are less likely to suffer brain injuries than those who don't.
• Bicycles, even when in the hands of young children, can be rapidly moving vehicles, easily reaching speeds of 20 miles per hour or more.
• Compared to the dollar and human cost of brain injuries, helmets are inexpensive insurance.

2. What should you look for when buying a helmet?

• Only buy helmets that meet the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) standard for bicycle helmets. The federal government requires all helmets manufactured after March 10, 1999, to meet the CPSC standard, so look for a CPSC sticker.
• A helmet must be constructed with thick, firm polystyrene or other shock-absorbing material. This is the essential safety ingredient. It is the polystyrene that crushes on impact to absorb the shock of the fall and reduce the likelihood of brain injury. Many helmets have foam pads. These are used for comfort and sizing. They do not provide crash protection.
• A helmet must have a strong strap and fastener to assure it will stay on in a crash.
• Try on a helmet and adjust the straps to fit snugly. The helmet should cover the top of the forehead to be in the proper position. It should have only limited movement front to back and up and down. If the helmet cannot be adjusted to minimize both types of movement, try another size, style or brand. A helmet that isn't worn properly won't protect a rider in a crash.
• If you fall and hit your head, your helmet has served its purpose. Don't use it again. Your helmet's essential shock-absorbing material that protects your head in a crash may not retain its cushioning properties after a fall. That damage is not always apparent. Either have your helmet checked by the manufacturer to make sure it's still usable or buy a new one.

3. Are there other safety precautions to take when riding a bicycle?

Absolutely. Here are some basic rules of the road:

• Always ride with traffic.
• Ride one to a bike.
• Follow all traffic lights and signs. Signal all turns.
• Ride single file.
• Use a horn or bell.
• Make sure your bike is in good working order.
• If you're riding at night, make sure your bike has reflectors and a headlight and taillight. Consider using additional lighting and reflective bands, vests and clothing to increase your visibility.
• Keep to the right, but leave enough room to steer around road hazards and avoid car doors that may suddenly swing open.