Family Safety

Choosing a Bicycle Helmet

PDF version of Choosing a Bicycle Helmet 

This page was reviewed or revised on Monday, November 06, 2006.

Spending money for a good bicycle helmet is an investment in your child’s life and future.  Remember, a good helmet will last for years, as long as it is not abused or involved in a crash.  Bicycle shops carry the best selection of bicycle helmets at different prices. You may also find helmets in sporting good stores, toy stores, department and discount stores.

	Make sure it meets standards. Since April 1999, all bike helmets are inspected by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), so you won’t find a bike helmet in the stores that is unsafe.  Look for a sticker that the helmet meets the CSA, BS, AS, SNELL or ASTM standard. (Helmets with the ANSI standard are not safe).  Remember, your helmet should be the right one for your sport.  Ensure you are using a bike helmet.
	Make sure your child likes it. It is easier to get your child to wear a helmet if he or she helped pick it out and likes it.
	Make sure it fits. Proper fit ensures that the helmet will be in place when it is most needed.  Be sure to get the right size by trying it on before buying.

How to properly fit a bike helmet

• Place the helmet evenly on the head.  Make certain the front of the helmet sits only one to two finger-widths above the eyebrows (about 2.5 cm or 1 inch).

• Make sure the helmet doesn’t tilt forward or back, but rests straight on the head.

• The helmet should fit snugly.  Switch the foam fittings inside the helmet as needed to get the right fit.

• Tighten the chinstrap as snug as possible, adjusting the side straps that connect the front and back so that they rest just below the ears.

• The helmet should not move more than 2.5 cm (1 inch) in any direction.

• The helmet should not be able to shake loose or move from side to side.

• Never wear a helmet that has been in a crash.  Always replace it with a new helmet, even if you do not see damage.

• Vents are a key to comfort.  Air flow over the head ensures coolness; larger side vents also aid in improving ventilation.  There is usually a built-in brow pad or sweat band to control sweat and ensure comfort as well as protection if in a crash.

Tips when fitting your helmet

If the helmet moves back to show the forehead when pushing up on the front of the helmet with the heel of your hand, then tighten the front strap. Also, adjust the pad thickness and/or position in the back.  Make sure the chin strap is snug.  If the helmet still moves it might be too big.

If the helmet moves forward and covers your eyes, then you may need to tighten the back strap & make sure the chin strap is snug.  Also you may need to adjust the pad thickness and position; especially in the front.

If the helmet slips from side to side, when you shake your head “no”, then you need to check the pads on the sides and also make sure the straps are even on each side.

If the helmet does not pull down when you open your mouth, then you need to tighten the chin strap.  Also, make sure the front and back straps are straight and go around your ear.  Ensure both buckles are on the jaw and under the ear.

If the helmet does not cover the forehead and sits too high above your eyes, you may need to tighten any loose straps or remove some padding from the top of the helmet, or the helmet may be too small.  It should rest about 2.5 cm (1 inch) above your eyebrows (1 or 2 finger widths).

10 Smart Routes to Bicycle Safety

1.        Protect your head; wear a snug fitting, properly adjusted, safety approved bicycle helmet.

2.        Make sure the bicycle is the right size for the cyclist with the seat & handlebars at the right height.  Ensure the bike is safe before each ride by doing an ABC check.  Check Air pressure, tire tread, tire movement and spokes. Check Brakes before riding, including pads, levers and cables.  Always check Chain and Crank for lubrication.

3.        Get trained.  No matter how long you have cycled there are benefits from taking a cycling course.

4.        See and be seen.  Ride 1 metre ( 3.3 feet) from the curb and cycle in a straight line.

5.        Avoid biking at night.  If you must bike at night make sure you are well lit using both head and tail lights, and wear retro-reflective clothing.

6.        Stay alert.  Always keep watch for objects in your path such as uneven pavement, sewer grates, loose gravel, doors opening on parked cars and changes in traffic.

7.        Avoid heavy traffic times and busy roads if you can.  Check traffic as you ride by doing shoulder checks regularly.

8.        Learn the rules of the road.  Obey traffic laws.  Indicate turns with clear hand signals and stop at all intersections.

9.        Apply both front and back brakes at the same time when braking. Using only front brakes can cause you to flip.  Wheels should be tightly fastened.

10.        Children under 9 years should always have a parent or caregiver with them while cycling.