Why Cyclists Need to Wear Cycling Helmets

A cycling helmet is a helmet that is supposed to be worn during bicycle riding. They are structured in such a way that it will reduce the strength or magnitude of impacts to the head of the rider in falls or other forms of accidents. Cycling helmets are also designed to provide comfort and more safety by lessening possible obstructions with the rider’s peripheral vision.

An important aspect of cycling helmets that tend to be disregarded by people is the fit and care. It is very essential that the helmet fits the head of the rider snugly to provide optimum safety and protection of the head. According to one research, they have found out that around 96% of children and adolescents with ages ranging from 4 to 18 don’t have properly fitted helmets. This will actually increase the risk by two times.

Majority of the companies that produce cycling helmets offer different kinds of sizes that range from children’s size to adult’s size. These size ranges may also have sub variations: small, medium and large. The right and proper size is really important. Alterations in fit can also be done by application of foam pads with varying thickness. Helmets are secured in the head of a rider with the use of nylon supporting strap that also have to be properly adjusted to provide comfort to the rider.

A lot of helmets do have several alteration points along the strap that will allow the strap itself and the helmet be positioned in a proper and comfortable manner. In addition to straps, there are also helmets that have alterable cradles that will properly position the helmet to the back area of the head. These cradles, however, will not provide further protection but it will make the helmet stay more intact in cases of accidents.

The cycling helmet must stay properly intact in the rider’s head. To make sure it’s been fitted properly, the top edge of the front area of the helmet must be sitting two or three finger-widths above the eyebrow. The nylon support strap must be secured behind the inferior jaw and it must touch the throat.

It must be tight enough so that the helmet won’t move during cycling. The tightness of the strap must be tested as well. To do this, attempt to insert two fingers behind the strap. If you are unable to do so then the strap is secured enough.

Recently, there are also helmets designed for children. These newer helmets for kids have the back part of the helmet flat to prevent it from moving far forward when the child is placed in the child seat with a headrest.

According to the Snell Memorial Foundation, a non-profit organization that advocates development of high-quality standards and safety of helmets, they suggest that a helmet that has endured a considerably strong magnitude of blow should be disposed of right away. Helmets that were also involved in accidents wherein it has hit a hard façade or falls that resulted to cracks in the helmet should also be discarded.

Helmets also do have a limited lifespan. They tend to degrade and weaken as they age. The Snell Memorial Foundation suggests that helmets in use for 5 years must be replaced immediately unless the manufacturers suggest earlier disposal.