I had a wonderful time at the Girls with Gears ride April 17th! I am so proud of my Mom and Aunt Julie for completing the 25 mile ride in less than ideal conditions. We battled hills and a steady head wind but they were real troopers! Over $50,000 was raised for CAROL For Heart!!
Mom and I Wearing Our Helmets!
I noticed a disturbing trend during this event – improper helmet wearing! Women are notorious for not wearing their helmets in the right position. Unfortunately, the right position has the ability to mess up your hair. I’d rather have helmet hair than a concussion or worse!
So what is the proper way to wear your helmet?
ALWAYS WEAR A HELMET, EVEN IF YOU ARE JUST RIDING ON THE TRAIL!
Now that my yelling is over, follow the below instructions:
1) The helmet should be worn flat on the head, not tilted back or to the side. The helmet should sit on your forehead, just above the eyebrows.
2) Make sure the helmet fits snugly and does not move easily or obstruct your vision.
3) The chin strap should fit snugly under the chin with about a finger’s width of space between the strap and the chin. The helmet should always be buckled, otherwise why wear one?
4) The two side traps should form a triangle around the ears, with the two plastic pieces fitting just under the ears.
If you need more visuals check out this video. (I know it’s from a big box store, but it’s a good demo!)
Most helmets that you purchase in your local bike shop are quick and easy to fit (the interchangeable foam has gone by the wayside). No matter where you purchase your helmet make sure it meets the safety standards set forth by the CPSC (there will be a sticker inside the helmet or on the box). Other certifications, such as ANSI or Snell are often mentioned, this article explains the differences as there is much debate about the standards. But before you buy from the big box store, remember that at the local bike shop the employees will be able to fit you or your child with the appropriate helmet and ensure it is properly adjusted.
Crushed bike helmet photo from safetyissexy.blogspot.com
In Pennsylvania it is the law that all children under the age of 12 wear a helmet, so it is very important that you find an appropriate helmet for your child. Children will often fight not to wear a helmet, perhaps claiming it is uncomfortable. Follow the instructions and pictures above and they’ll be much happier! Or you can show them a picture of a helmet after a crash and say this could be your head (that’s what my Dad used to do with a helmet he crashed in). According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, wearing a bicycle helmet can reduce the risk of head injury by 85%
I often hear “I’ve had this helmet forever” when people are shopping for a new bike. Helmets are NOT meant to be kept forever. If your helmet is older than 5 years you should replace it. Also, if the helmet has been in any sort of crash or dropped one too many times on the garage floor it should also be replaced. The material can break down over time or sustain damage that is not visible to the naked eye.
Somedays I feel like a broken record, but I cannot stress enough that the $50 you spend on a helmet is nothing when you consider the alternative!
