Helmets

Should I wear a helmet, since I'm not going to be racing?

According to the Bicycle Helmet Safety Institute, head injuries account for more than 60 percent of bicycle-related deaths, and a very high percentage of cyclist' brain injuries can be prevented by a helmet, estimated by different studies at anywhere from 45 to 88 per cent. Even non-fatal head injuries can be very serious, involving loss of major functions. Wear a helmet, not just for yourself, but for the family members who will have to care for you if you become permanently disabled! Safe riding and use of proper safety equipment, such as lights and reflectors, will help keep you out of trouble too. Keeping your bike in good working order also helps.

http://www.bhsi.org/

 

Are helmets required by law?

 It depends on where you live. The State of California requires helmet use by cyclists who are under the age of 18.  S ome local governments such as El Cerrito, California, have ordinances requiring all riders to wear helmets. The BHSI website offers more detailed information.

 

How should a helmet fit? Many of today's helmets are available in "universal" sizing; one very adjustable helmet size will fit most heads. For those statistical outliers with larger or smaller heads, extra large or small (sometimes marketed as women's) helmets are also available. Most bike helmets have an internal adjusting band that allows the helmet to be closely fitted to your head size and shape. Wear your helmet level on your head, not tilted back. Adjust the straps so that the plastic adjusters are just below your ears and the chin strap is just loose enough that you can open your jaw. Bike helmets should be replaced after about three years, as the expanded polystyrene material degrades over time. Any helmet that has been crashed should be replaced.

Check out Bell's website for more info: http://www.bellbikehelmets.com/helmet101.asp

It is important that you get a helmet that fits. If you don't then you won't wear the helmet, and what's the point of that? Picking a helmet that you think looks good is fine, but it should also be comfortable, and fit on your head so that it won't fall off in the unfortunate event that you do. We carry several brands of helmets so you can find one that fits. 

 

Check out the brands of helmets we carry here.