Look closely, my head is the only part that was not injured because of my helmet LoL

The skull protects the brain but is not shockproof. Unless you are Wolverine with self healing powers or have an Iron man suit, helmets are an  important aspect of protective wear in all sports that involve alot of contact and possible tumble.  In the USA, American football and Ice Hockey all require athletes to wear helmets. from our observation, it seems like any sport that allows a person to exceed 10km/h, a helmet is a MUST.   

When we recommend a helmet, often we get customers who give us response like – ” No need I will be careful”, “ I am going at a slow speed”, “its too hot”, “my hair is all messed up”,  ” looks so strange”…” etc. Actually these days, helmets are light weight, typically have beautiful designs and have vents that keeps your head cool while being the very thing that can just save your life!

Wearing the helmet is not just about protecting your skull during a fall on your own but in situations that other users collide INTO you, you protect your head from bicycle parts, inline skaters shoes, tires and other hard objects.

Also many cyclists love to draft each very closely and this helps reduce wind resistance and really fun to ride in formation but a sudden stop in front tend to create a pileup situation and again your helmet is the only thing that can prevent head trauma if you fall over your bike. 

How does one choose a good helmet?

1. Look for the proper Safety labels – GS, TUV and CE rating

2. The helmet should have paddings that allows you to take them out to wash

3. The size should not make your head look like a Mushroom head

4. Colours like Silver and White allows you to be visible at night and they match any colour bike and goes easy with any jersey theme

5. Last but not least – FITTING!

How do you fit a helmet? Adapted from National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)

To select and properly fit a bicycle helmet, follow the helmet fitting instructions below. It may take some time to ensure a proper fit.

Step 1 – Size:
Measure your head for approximate size. Try the helmet on to ensure it fits snuggly. While it is sitting flat on top of your head, make sure the helmet doesn’t rock side to side. Sizing pads come with new helmets; use the pads to securely fit to your head. Mix or match the sizing pads for the greatest comfort. In your child’s helmet, remove the padding when your child’s head grows. If the helmet has a universal fit ring instead of sizing pads, adjust the ring size to fit the head.

Step 2 – Position:
The helmet should sit level on your head and low on your forehead—one or two finger-widths above your eyebrow.

Step 3 – Buckles:
Center the left buckle under the chin. On most helmets, the straps can be pulled from the back of the helmet to lengthen or shorten the chin straps. This task is easier if you take the helmet off to make these adjustments.

Step 4 – Side Straps:
Adjust the slider on both straps to form a “V” shape under, and slightly in front of, the ears. Lock the slider if possible.

Step 5 – Chin Strap:
Buckle your chin strap. Tighten the strap until it is snug, so that no more than one or two fingers fit under the strap.

Step 6 – Final Fitting:
Does your helmet fit right? Open your mouth wide…big yawn! The helmet should pull down on the head. If not, refer back to step 5 and tighten the chin strap.

Does your helmet rock back more than two fingers above the eyebrows? If so, unbuckle, shorten the front strap by moving the slider forward.
Buckle, retighten the chin strap, and test again.

Does your helmet rock forward into your eyes? If so, unbuckle, tighten the back strap by moving the slider back toward the ear. Buckle, retighten the chin strap, and test again.

Roll the rubber band down to the buckle. All four straps must go through the rubber band and be close to the buckle to prevent the buckle from slipping.

Start your kids early and be a role model. This is one decision where regrets do not matter, so use your head and cycle safe!