Bike Helmet

Arguably the most important bike accessory to have is the bike helmet. It doesn’t matter if you are just a recreational rider or a professional one a bike helmet can save your life.

Serious head injuries are reduced by up to 85 percent when the rider is wearing a bike helmet. Almost 40 percent of deaths that occur while bicycle riding is caused to children under the age of 15 so it is important for children to start wearing helmets at an early age. It does not have to be a collision or high speed accident to cause serious injury to the head and a bike helmet can make the rider safer no matter what kind of accident it is.

There are many different types of helmets on the market but to get the maximum amount of safety it is best to choose a bike helmet specifically for cycling. It should allow for air ventilation to the head to keep it from overheating and to make for a more comfortable and enjoyable ride. The most important aspect in purchasing a bike helmet is to make sure it fits. You don’t want to choose one that is too loose it can slip off or one that is too tight it can be uncomfortable and less safe. A bike helmet should sit a little less than an inch above the eyebrows for maximum safety and comfort. With the straps make sure the helmet does not tilt too far forward or backwards as this exposes areas of the head which should be protected. The chinstraps should cover both ears and be in the shape of a V with each ear in the middle of it.

In order to stay as safe as possible, inspect yours and those of your family regularly. Even after a crash or accident if your helmet looks to be fine there still might be some damage and it is better to be safe and purchase another one. If the helmet is old and well used the materials can become weaker over time and it is safer to purchase a new helmet rather that waiting until it is too late.

Heat can damage most things and if you leave your bike helmet out in the sun it can change the shape of it. It can also affect the glue that binds the pieces of the helmet together. Periodically check the straps and the screws in the bike helmet because if either of these things is loose the helmet needs to be repaired or replaced.

Cycling is fun for everyone and playing it safe means you can enjoy it for years to come. Teach your children to wear their helmets from the first moment they get on a bike and it will be a habit that will last a lifetime.

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