Helmet Selection Tips

Helmet Selection Tips
Many people are aware that there is a New York State law mandating that all bicyclists under the age of 14 wear a bicycle helmet. Some people know that wearing a helmet can reduce the risk of head injury by 85%. Many people, kids, teens and grownups alike, know that they should always wear a helmet when we ride. However, the reality is, many riders just don't. The main reasons appear to be quite simple. They're uncomfortable. They're not cool. They are perhaps unaffordable.
So what can be done to change those negatives into positives and get more riders to wear their helmets every time they ride? Let's break it down.
Comfort: Select a helmet that IS comfortable. You won't know unless you try one on. You wouldn't buy a pair of shoes without trying them on first! Use the padding that comes with the helmet to make it fit your head snuggly, without gaps. Certainly, a helmet that doesn't fit right will probably sit in the garage, which won't help you out when you crash on your bike. Straps and fasteners need to be strong and sturdy, not thin and flimsy.
Style: Select a style you can live with. If you are shopping for a tween or teen, allow them to select a style they like, because if they don't like the way it looks, they won't wear it. Lighter, reflective colors make more sense as they are more visible to motorists. Ideally, a smoothly rounded outer shell, with no sharp ribs or snag points is recommended. Coolness, ventilation, fit and sweat control are some critical comfort needs. Air flow over the head determines coolness, and larger front vents provide better air flow. Excessive vents aren't really necessary. There are helmets with pony- tail ports for girls, and bald bike riders may want to choose a helmet with smaller vents to prevent unusual tan lines.
Cost: Helmet prices can range from $20 to $200. The average rider does not need a $200 helmet! Serious racers traveling at high speeds may need a more sophisticated helmet, but children, tweens, teens and the average adult will do fine in the sports retail store or large discount type store. Just be sure to look for the Consumer Product Safety Commission sticker on the inside to be sure it meets safety standards.
Be sure to dispose of helmets that have been involved in a crash. You may be unable to determine just by looking at it if the foam inside has been compromised in the crash, rendering it unsuitable for future protection.
Be sure to wear your helmet, snug and level, with the straps fastened each time you ride.
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