Helmet Safety – Choose the right helmet

Submitted by: Alberta Health Services – applemag.ca

Before buying a new helmet, consider the following:

• Measure around your head at eyebrow level to know what size of helmet to buy
• Decide what kind of helmet you need: a bike helmet, just for biking, or a multi-sport helmet that is approved for biking and other sports such as skateboarding and in-line skating.
• Try different styles and brands to find the one that fits you best
• Check to make sure the helmet is safety approved for cycling and meets safety standards such as CSA, CPSC, Snell or ASTM.

Wearing your helmet

• Make sure the helmet is level from front to back.
• Check that the front edge sits 1 to 2 finger widths above your eyebrows.
• Add or remove sizing pads, or adjust the ring fit system to make the helmet fit snugly.
• Adjust the straps to form a V just below and in front of your earlobes.
• Do up the chinstrap.
• Adjust the chinstrap so there’s only one finger-width between your chin and the chinstrap.
• Fit the helmet tighter if it moves when you nod or shake your head.
• Wear your helmet every time you ride your bike