Easy Steps to Properly Fit a Bicycle Helmet
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A bicycle crash can happen at any time. A Bicycle Helmets properly fitted bicycle helmet reduces the A few facts and hints about helmets. risk of head injury by as much as 85 percent Easy Steps to and the risk of brain injury by as much as 88 1. Helmets come in various sizes, just percent. like hats. Properly 2. It may take some time to ensure a More children ages 5 to 14 go to hospital proper fit. It is easier if you have emergency rooms for injuries associated someone help you adjust the straps. with bicycles than with any other sport. Fit a Helmet 3. To select and properly fit a bicycle Many of these injuries involve the head. helmet, follow the helmet fitting instructions in this flyer. Be sure to wear a helmet that is appropriate 4. Helmets should be worn by all riders for the particular activity you’re involved in. and passengers, even children being Different activities require different helmets. transported in a trailer or riding on Check the manufacturers’ labels inside each the back of a bike being driven by helmet for more specific information. someone else. 5. Replace any helmet when you or Many states and local jurisdictions have your child crashes in it. Impact bicycle helmet laws; please refer to your may crush some of the foam. state or local jurisdiction. To find this 6. Bike helmets are not for all other information go to sports. Be sure it meets the ASTM www.helmets.org/mandator.htm F1447 - 06 Standard Specification for Helmets Used in Recreational For more information about bicycle Bicycling or Roller Skating. safety and helmets, visit: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) website at www.nhtsa.dot.gov Community Health Section Or Division of Injury Prevention U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission website at and Control 600 East Boulevard Avenue, Dept. 301 A bicycle helmet can protect your www.cpsc.gov Bismarck, ND 58505-0200 head and brain ONLY if you wear 701.328.4537 it properly each time you ride. 800.472.2286 1 The Proper Helmet Fit Step 5 Chin Strap: Buckle your chin strap. The Helmet Should Be Step 1 Size: Tighten the strap until it is Comfortable. Measure your head for approximate size. snug, so that no more than If it feels small, put in the thinner Try the helmet on to ensure it fits snuggly. one or two fingers fit under sizing pads or purchase a larger While it is sitting flat on top of your head, the strap. helmet. Ideally, select a helmet brand and size that fits well prior to any make sure the helmet doesn’t rock side to Step 6 Final Fitting: side. Sizing pads come with new helmets; adjustments. If you buy a helmet that a. Does your helmet fit right? Open your use the pads to securely fit to your head. you find comfortable and attractive, mouth wide … big yawn! The helmet should Mix or match the sizing pads for the greatest you are more likely to wear it. pull down on the head. If not, refer back to comfort. In your child’s helmet, remove the step 5 and tighten the chin strap. padding when your child’s head grows. If The Helmet Must Cover Your the helmet has a universal fit ring instead of Forehead. b. Does your helmet rock back more than sizing pads, adjust the ring size to fit the two fingers above the eyebrows? If so, head. unbuckle and shorten the front strap by The Chin Strap Must Be Tight and Step 2 Position: moving the slider forward. Buckle, retighten Properly Adjusted. The helmet should sit level the chin strap and test again. on your head and low on your forehead - one or two c. Does your helmet rock forward into your The Helmet Should Not Rock finger widths above your eyes? If so, unbuckle and tighten the back Forward or Backward on Your eyebrow. strap by moving the slider back toward the Head. ear. Buckle, retighten the chin strap and test If it does, see step 6. Step 3 Buckles: again. Center the left buckle under The Helmet Should Fit Now. d. Roll the rubber band down to the buckle. the chin. On most helmets, Buy a helmet that fits your head now, All four straps must go through the rubber the straps can be pulled not a helmet to “grow into.” band and be close to the from the back of the helmet Replace any helmet that has been buckle to prevent the to lengthen or shorten the outgrown. buckle from slipping. chin straps. This task is easier if you take the helmet off to make these adjustments. When To Replace a Helmet. Replace any helmet that has been Step 4 Side Straps: involved in a crash or is damaged. Adjust the slider on both straps to form a “V” shape It’s not enough to simply buy a bicycle under and slightly in front of helmet – it should be properly fitted, the ears. Lock the slider if adjusted, and worn each time you ride. possible. .