Wearing a helmet can enhance safety and may protect bicyclists from severe injury in a crash. People who research their options and take adequate time selecting a helmet can optimize the benefit of wearing one.
Given how many options there are, bicyclists might have an easier time making a confident decision when they know what to look for.
Fit
Arguably the factor that takes the most precedence when helmet shopping is fit. In a staggering statistic shared by Consumer Reports, cyclists who wear helmets saw an estimated 50% decrease in the risks of head injury. However, for a helmet to perform adequately, it must fit a rider’s head the right way. When assessing a helmet’s fit, people should pay attention to how snug the fit is, the placement and tightness of the chin straps and where the helmet sits in relation to their forehead and ears.
Function
A helmet’s function can also play an important role in protecting a cyclist. Innovative technology has also spread to the development of bicycle helmets affecting their shape, the lining inside and even the plastic and materials used during construction. Depending on the type of bicycling people do, specific types of helmets might work better than a standard model. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recommends that people buy helmets that contain a CPSC certification label. This signifies that a helmet has passed a series of safety requirements issued by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.
Other factors people may consider when helmet shopping include style preference, visors, reflectors and visibility, and ventilation. Some helmets even boast a built-in mesh to protect riders’ eyes from bugs, dust and other debris. Bicyclists should periodically check the fit of their helmets and promptly replace worn or damaged products.
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