Protect Your Head with a Bike Helmet

Bicycle accidents kill 900 people each year and send about 567,000 result in injuries, according to the US Consumer Product Safety Commission. The CPSC has also stated that wearing a bike helmet can reduce the risk of head injury by 85%.

Cyclists of all ages should wear helmets whenever they are biking. However, wearing a bicycle helmet is not enough to ensure safety. Cyclists should also make sure that they are wearing a helmet which fits properly and meets safety standards. The following are some tips to remember when you are purchasing a bike helmet.

Size

Choosing the right size is essential when purchasing a bike helmet. Be sure to purchase the bike helmet which is for the appropriate age group, adult or child. If you are purchasing the bike helmet for a child, be sure to check the box to make sure the helmet is for the appropriate age group, as this will affect whether the helmet fits the child properly. You should always try on a bike helmet before purchasing it. Not only will this ensure that the helmet fits properly, you can also make sure the helmet is comfortable.

When a bike helmet fits properly, it should sit level on your head and touch your head all the way around. A properly fitting helmet should be snug, but not so tight that it is uncomfortable. The helmet should not move more than an inch in any direction. Finally, you should not be able to pull the helmet off, no matter how hard you try.

Color

Bicycle helmets come in a wide variety of colors and designs, but you should try to choose one that it white or bright in color.

Style

There are two basic styles of bike helmets: those with a pointed back and those with a complete round design. The pointed back style is sleek and is very popular. It also features aerodynamic design which allows for an increase in the biker's speed. However, if you choose to purchase the pointed back style, make sure that the helmet does not have any points which could snag on clothing or other objects during a crash.

You should avoid a helmet which has points that will easily snag on anything. You should also avoid purchasing helmets with too many vents, because these helmets have less area of the helmet which touches your head, because this could concentrate pressure on one point or area during a crash.

Safety Standards

You can look for a sticker inside the helmet which indicates that the helmet meets the US Consumer Product Safety Commission standards. However, you should remember that fit is not a certified safety standard, so you must test fit on your own head to ensure that a particular helmet is safe for you. Visors are not tested for shattering or snagging upon impact, so use caution if purchasing a helmet with a visor.

Replacing a helmet

A bicycle helmet should always be replaced after a crash, because impact can crush the foam used inside helmets, even if damage is not visible. Most manufacturers recommend replacement after five years of use, regardless of whether you have been in a crash. Please refer to your helmet's instructions for reasonable care standards and recommendations on when to replace the helmet.

Consumer Ratings and Where to Buy

Consumer Reports releases annual recommendations about the best bicycle helmets. You can check Consumer Reports for its latest recommendations whenever you are ready to purchase a bike helmet.

In August 2007, Consumer Reports released a report on bike cycles. In impact the retention tests, Bell Citi, Bell Slant, and Specialized Aurora adult helmets and the Bell Boomerang toddler helmet scored high. Consumer Reports declared the Bell Citi and Bell Slant adult models and Schwinn Intercept youth model to be best buys.

The above models are available online at the prices and websites listed below. You can also get these models from most sporting goods stores.

Bell Slant helmet: $49.99 (www.buy.com)

Bell Citi helmet: $44.98 (www.buy.com)

Specialized Aurora helmet: ₤59.99 (www.dalescycles.com)

Bell Boomerang helmet: $30.00 (www.shopping.com)

Schwinn Intercept helmet: $14.97 (www.walmart.com)