How to Choose and Wear a Cycle Helmet
| An article from Bikes and Bike Helmets
| | A bike helmet needs to fit properly to do its job of protecting your head in an accident. To find the correct size measure around
your head just above the ears. The helmet should be worn level and should fit snugly, touching your head at the front, back, top and each side, and
the straps should be in front of and behind your ears, not on top of them. You need to be able to see and hear clearly when wearing your helmet so
make sure it doesn't cover your ears or obstruct your vision. If fitting pads are supplied with the helmet use these to adjust the fit, or if your
helmet has a fitting ring adjust the size with this, until pushing the helmet from side to side and front to back creates no noticable movement. Then
adjust the straps to give a good fit. Check that the helmet presses against your forehead when you open your mouth, if it doesn't tighten the straps a
little more.
Any helmet you buy should be built to the current safety standards, for Europe this is BS EN 1078:1997 and for the US SNELL B.95. You may also see the
British Standard BS 6863, which is in the process of being replaced by the European standard.
Bike Helmet Construction. A bike helmet consists of a plastic shell with a lining, usually made from polystyrene foam, to absorb and
dissipate the force in the event of an accident. Vents in the helmet help to keep the head cool and straps keep the helmet on the head. Some helmets
have a visor attached to the front to shield the eyes from the sun.
A bike helmet should be replaced if it is involved in an accident, even if it looks fine, it may be damaged internally and may not protect you in a
second impact. Bike helmets should also be replaced after about 5 years use, even when not involved in an accident as the structure can be weakened by
weathering and UV light.
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