You're getting ready to go on a bike ride, what do you need? Water, patch kit, sunscreen, and don't forget the most important thing of all, your helmet! Required in many states, worn correctly bike helmets can protect your head from a life-threatening injury. According to the Bicycle Helmet Safety Institute, the average cyclist may crash every 4,500 miles, and even a spill on a gentle bike path can be dangerous. When choosing a bike helmet, don't just go for the one that matches your bike; look for a seal of approval from the Consumer Product Safety Commission or the American National Standards Institute. The helmet should fit snugly; foam sizing pads can help you adjust it, and you may want a "ponytail port" if you have long hair. The newest helmets include sun visors in front to shield your eyes. And make sure the helmet moves from front to back, not side to side so it best protects your head. The chin strap should fasten securely just below your chin (hence the clever name.) Yeah, after a long ride you'll have "helmet head," but hey, you'll have your brains intact, too.
Helmet Heads Unite!
Posted by Julie M.
You're getting ready to go on a bike ride, what do you need? Water, patch kit, sunscreen, and don't forget the most important thing of all, your helmet! Required in many states, worn correctly bike helmets can protect your head from a life-threatening injury. According to the Bicycle Helmet Safety Institute, the average cyclist may crash every 4,500 miles, and even a spill on a gentle bike path can be dangerous. When choosing a bike helmet, don't just go for the one that matches your bike; look for a seal of approval from the Consumer Product Safety Commission or the American National Standards Institute. The helmet should fit snugly; foam sizing pads can help you adjust it, and you may want a "ponytail port" if you have long hair. The newest helmets include sun visors in front to shield your eyes. And make sure the helmet moves from front to back, not side to side so it best protects your head. The chin strap should fasten securely just below your chin (hence the clever name.) Yeah, after a long ride you'll have "helmet head," but hey, you'll have your brains intact, too.