Bicylcle injury statistics are very startling. Four out of ten deaths from cycling injuries occur in children under the age of 15. As many as 85% of serious head injuries caused by bicycle accidents could have been prevented if the cyclist had been wearing a bike helmet.
Although the style and color of the bicycle helmet you select will be based largely upon personal preference, there is one essential characteristic that is a key to selecting the right bike helmet. Look inside any helmet you are considering purchasing to see if it has a sticker from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) or the American Society for Testing Materials (ASTM). This label verifies that the material used to construct the helmet has been tested to withstand certain degrees of crash impact; in effect, it certifies that the helmet will provide you with the best possible protection.
First, try on the helmet and adjust the chin strap until it feels comfortable. The chin straps should fit over both ears in the shape of a V and should be snug enough across your chin that you can only fit one finger inside the strap.
Now shake your head up and down and from side to side to see if the helmet moves on your head. A helmet that is a perfect fit will not move at all; if it jiggles even a little, reach for a smaller helmet and repeat this test. The helmet should also fit snugly against your forehead and you should not be able to push it back up onto your head using pressure from just one finger. The buckle on the chin strap should be easy to operate and you should test to see if you can easily unbuckle the helmet using just one hand. A properly fitting bike helmet should sit low on your head, about 1 to 1.5 inches above your eyebrows.
Helmets are generally sized from toddler and small to medium and large. Many models come with extra foam so you can adjust the snugness on your head. Check to see that the helmet you select has enough air vents so your head receives adequate airflow while wearing the helmet. It's best to avoid bike helmet models with pointed shapes, thin or flimsy chin straps, or with features that are complicated to use.
Keep your helmet in good repair by keeping it away from heat, which can reduce its crash effectiveness. Keep it clean by washing in mild soap and water as needed. Check it for dents or cracks on a regular basis and always replace a helmet after a crash. It's a good rule of thumb to automatically replace your bike helmet every five years.
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