It amazes me when I see people riding without helmets. While no statewide law requires cyclists to wear helmets, it is as common sense as wearing a seatbelt. A helmet is the only form of protection available to cyclists and the brain is the most important piece of the body to guard against injury.
More than half of Americans admit they never use a bicycle helmet while cycling. I am shocked at how often I see people riding with no helmet, a helmet with an unclipped chin strap, or a helmet clipped to a backpack.
Proper fit is key to reaping the benefits of a helmet. The Bicycle Helmet Safety Institute offers a simple pamphlet that summarizes how to ensure proper fit.
It’s important to check your helmet often. First, check for cracks or other signs of wear or fatigue. Second, make sure the fit is right. If you wore a hat under your helmet last time you rode, you may need to tighten the fit. Personally, I often find that the chinstrap has loosened on its own and I need to tighten it. A quick check is to put the helmet on, clip the strap, and then try to lift the helmet and push it back – if I can push it back to expose my forehead then I will tighten it where I can.
Consumer Reports does bicycle helmet testing periodically and in the past has identified helmets that are substandard.
