Riding With A Bike Helmet Is Safe Riding

For younger riders, or those who are inexperienced or new to cycling, bike helmets are life and face saving devices. Most helmets consist of some form of protective shell covering made from anything such as hard foam to lightweight metals and fiberglass.

The inside of a bike helmet usually contains soft foam pieces that come into direct contact with the outer skull area. This foam reduces the discomfort of the helmet to most riders, but they also serve the important function of adding to a snug fit of the bike helmet. The outside of the bike helmet shell is generally designed in various forms and designs. For serious riders, aerodynamics and sponsor logos are vitally important when selecting a bike helmet. For children's helmets, boy and girl versions usually exist that exhibit a favorite action hero or kid-friendly design. An important attachment to the basic shell of a helmet is the chinstrap. Manufacturers make chinstraps from cloth material. The buckles on the chinstrap allow for adjustment of the helmet as well as a secure method of fixing the helmet to the rider's cranium.

All parts and safety mechanisms of the bike helmet are relegated useless unless the helmet is fitted properly. One study noted that nearly ninety percent of bike riders' helmets are not fitted properly. Riding without a properly fitted helmet is as dangerous as riding without one at all, thus this statistic is alarming to public safety experts and parents as well. To combat poor fitting, manufacturers offer a variety of sizes and formats for helmet consumers.

Manufacturers understand the consumer's desire for an attractive helmet, but also, strive for the pinnacle of cycling safety in their helmet designs and models. Finding the correct size for your helmet cannot be understated. Adding or reducing foam inserts inside the shell of the bike helmet will allow for some adjustment of the bike helmet fit. The second best means of adjusting a helmet's fit is through adjusting the cloth chinstraps found on all bike helmets. For children especially, parents must assure their child's helmet is properly fitted and worn correctly at all times to prevent severe injury or even death.

The position of a safely worn bike helmet is vitally important in preventing injuries or death. When placed on the head of a biker, the base of the helmet shell should rest on the forehead with about two to three inches between the eyebrows. The chinstrap of the bike helmet should never be looser than one finger's width. This will prevent movement of the bike helmet in the event of a collision or accident.

Improperly fitting bike helmets is frequently cited as increasing the risk to cyclers when involved in a collision. In some instances for example, loose fitting helmets fell over the eyes of riders. This momentary blocking of vision causes riders to lose control of their bike, crash, and suffer minor to life-threatening injuries.