How to Choose a Safe Bike Helmet & Fit it Correctly

 Posted on August 29, 2019 in Bicycle Safety

One of the best ways for bike riders of all ages to stay safe is buying and wearing a helmet. However, choosing the right helmet is not always easy. There are certain standards bicycle helmets must meet, and there are plenty of deceptive companies selling faulty helmets.

What are the standards for a safe bicycle helmet?

The US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) lays out the standards for bicycle helmets in the country. All bicycle helmets manufactured and sold in the US after 1999 must meet CPSC safety standards (16 C.F.R. part 1203).

The CPSC has standards for helmets depending on which activities a person is participating in. For example, there are helmets that meet safety standards for regular bicycling, but those helmets do not meet the requirements needed for BMX biking or downhill mountain bike racing. You should always check the CPSC website to see which helmet is needed for the activity you will be participating in.

The helmet needs to fit

A helmet will not protect a rider’s head if it does not fit properly. If it is loose, it could fly off on impact. Loose-fitting helmets will also lose much of their effectiveness in preventing a head or traumatic brain injury.

Most helmets outline instructions about how to adjust the straps properly, and you can even add foam padding to some. However, never make any adjustments that are not specifically outlined in the manufacturer’s instructions. Never wear a helmet that does not fit correctly.

How should a Helmet Fit?

• First, make sure your helmet is the right size. If you're unsure, you can place it on your head and see if it fits snug around the dome of your head. You should be able to fit no more than one index finger in the front of your helmet, in between your forehead. When you're doing this, make sure the retention system located in the back of the helmet is completely loose so you don't get confused as to whether it's the system, or the actual helmet itself thats holding it in place.
• Ensure you've placed it correctly. Once you confirm you have the right sized helmet, next you will want to make sure its sitting properly on your head. The top of the helmet should be in the center of the dome and sitting forward on your head. The front of the helmet should be right above your eyebrows.
• Fasten your helmet properly. Next, you'll want to make sure that your helmet is fastened properly on your head so in the event of a crash the helmet stays in place and protects your head fully. If your helmet has a retention system in the back, make sure its tightened to a comfortable yet secure setting. You should be able to shake your side-to-side without it moving.
• Adjust chin strap. Lastly, and most importantly, is adjusting the chin strap of your helmet. Tighten the strap up to your chin until you can get about three fingers (horizontally) in between your chin and the strap.

What are the life-span of helmets?

Each helmet will have different standards provided by the manufacturer, but the CPSC says they should be replaced within 5 to 10 years from the purchase date. If the helmet is cracked or worn, it may need to be replaced.

Beware of Helmets that do not Meet the Safety Standards

Even though all bike helmets sold on the US are required to meet CPSC safety standards, there are still times when helmets that do not meet these standards are sold. First, please understand that online shopping has made it easier for consumers to accidentally buy products that do not meet the standards required by US regulators. In many cases, these helmets are sold overseas and shipped to your home.

To ensure you are buying a helmet that meets all CPSC safety standards, buy only from reputable stores, whether online or in person. Who you are buying a helmet, the following information must be present:

1. A label that states the helmet “Complies with U.S. CPSC Safety Standard for Bicycle Helmets for Persons Age 5 and Older” OR “Complies with U.S. CPSC Safety Standard for Bicycle Helmets for Persons Age 1 and older (Extended Head Coverage).”
2. Name, address, and phone number of the manufacturer or importer issuing the certificate.
3. The name and address of the foreign manufacturer if the helmet was manufactured outside of the United States.
4. The serial number that allows you to identify the production “lot” of the helmet, along with the month and year it was made.