Ways to narrow down your options for a properly fitting bicycle helmet.
Riding a bicycle may be your preferred way to get exercise or to navigate around your community. Still, a bike ride does not come without risk. That is why you should know how to find a bicycle helmet that will give you as much protection as possible in the event you suffer a serious accident while riding.
A helmet is no guarantee that you would survive a pedestrian accident. Even so, a bike helmet may increase your odds of living through a collision and avoiding a permanent disability. To make sure your helmet gives you the proper protection, you should check the fit of your helmet carefully before riding with it on.
Find a snug but not uncomfortable fit
According to Consumer Reports, if you shop for a helmet and finds one that looks like it may fit you, try it on first. The helmet should have a snug fit before you tie on the straps. Your head should compress the foam pads inside the helmet to a partial extent. However, the helmet should not be uncomfortable or unbearably tight when you first put it on.
If you have short hair, trying on a helmet should yield an accurate fit. However, if you have long hair and are wearing it in a ponytail, it may affect the fit of the helmet if you wear the helmet later on without your ponytail. Try on a helmet with the kind of hairstyle you will have when riding.
Adjust the helmet to fit
Once you have donned a comfortable helmet, spend some time fine-tuning the helmet so that you secure the best fit. If the helmet has sizing pads, you may use these to correct the fit. Secure the helmet straps so that they form a V underneath your earlobes. If your helmet has a chinstrap, opening your mouth halfway should cause the helmet to push down on the top of your head. This tells you that your strap is secure.
You may also try pulling the helmet’s back tip over the top of your head. If your helmet slips down in the front, shorten the back straps to better secure the helmet. Also look to see if your helmet is further than an inch higher than your eyebrows. If so, you should tighten your straps. These steps may help your helmet stay on your head and not loosen at a crucial moment when you need the helmet’s protection.
This article is brought to you by Mason Rashtian of The Mason Law Firm, a full-service personal injury attorney and accident lawyer. We represent clients all throughout California and Los Angeles County, including the Santa Clarita Valley, Valencia, Stevenson Ranch, Canyon Country, Newhall, and the entire San Fernando Valley.
We can be reached at (661) 270-5677.
This article is meant for informational purposes only.