Bicycle Helmet FAQs
It is important to exercise safety methods in everything that you do, hobbies and sports are no exception to this. Cycling is a pastime that is continuously gaining in popularity yet many are not aware of how to protect themselves when participating in this activity. Responsible riding and taking the proper preventative measures are the best way to avoid accidents that cause injuries. Accidents, however, are just that. No one can predict when an accident may occur so it is best to always be prepared. Helmets are the most vital key in protection of the head and brain, in the instance of a cycling accident. Approximately 85% of all head injuries, as the result of cycling accidents, can be prevented simply by proper use of a helmet when cycling. Many cyclists believe that they are too experienced to require a helmet therefore they fore go the use of a helmet entirely. It is a sad fact that there have been 51,000 deaths related directly to bicycling accidents since the year 1932, 95% of whom were not wearing helmets at the time of the accident. A helmet is a simple, effective way to ensure that cycling stays entertaining and safe with very little fuss. A FAQ on bicycle helmets has been created to answer many of the questions regarding the benefits of helmets. This FAQ is designed to answer basic safety questions. For case specific questions, consult a professional that is knowledgeable in bicycle safety.
1) How do bicycle helmets realistically protect a cyclist from injury?
Bicycle helmets are designed as a precautionary safety measure for cyclists. Helmets are designed specifically for impact collisions. In these instances, the plastic and foam within the helmet will cushion the head and brain. The foam in the helmet acts as a sponge, of sorts, that absorbs impact. The absorption of the impact is vital to protect the brain as violent impact to the head can lead to brain damage. Helmets are designed to protect only the head and brain region. Any area left uncovered by the helmet is vulnerable to serious injury.
2) Do all bicycle helmets work the same?
The basic elements of all cycling helmets are the same. They all offer protection from injury to the head. However not all helmets are exactly the same. Some helmets have a soft foam that is designed more for comfort than any serious protection. Other helmets are designed to skid more easily in the event of a high-speed collision. This offers protection as an immediate stop during a fast paced collision can cause serious injury to the neck as well as the head. The straps differ also; wider straps are more likely to hold the helmet in place during an accident than thin straps. Not all cyclists are required the same amount of protection in a helmet. For instance, a 5 year old who does not move very fast and only rides in the backyard will require a much different helmet than a 25 year old avid cyclist. Consult an expert who knows your specific needs to find the right helmet. The safest helmets for cycling will be approved by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI).
3) How much do bicycle helmets cost?
Bicycle helmets, like most products, can vary greatly in cost. Some are sold for as cheap as $10 while specialty stores usually range anywhere from $30 to over $200. The price of the helmet does not necessarily mean that it will be better in protecting from injuries. Tests show that inexpensive helmets work just as good as expensive ones when it comes to prevention of head injuries. The features and designs of a helmet are what cause the variation in prices. Comfort and style has a lot to do with the higher price of helmets sold in specialty stores. Each cyclist will have their own preference on the feel and design of their helmet which in turn will be the deciding factor in the cost of the helmet one chooses to purchase.
4) Are bicycle helmets made to fit everyone?
Helmets come in a variety of sizes, much as hats have sizes. There are child sized helmets that are designed specifically to fit the small head of any child, from toddler to preteens. Adult helmets come in a wider variety of sizes, made to fit both men and women. There are also helmets that are larger than regular adults sizes that are designed for those with larger than average head. The wide variety in sizing makes it possible for everyone, regardless of their size, to find a helmet that will fit. A helmet should be comfortable, not too tight or too loose and stay in place without falling forward into your line of vision. A good way to tell if your helmet fits properly is to open your mouth as wide as you can with the straps buckled. If you feel the helmet pulling down on your head, chances are it will be a good fit.
5) Should children wear helmets?
Young children are more prone to accidents than adults, however chances are their accidents will be less severe than those of adult cyclists, moving at faster speeds. Though, this doesn't mean that children should forgo helmets. Serious accidents can occur at any given time and it is better to take an unneeded safety precaution ninety-nine times than to not take the precaution the one time it is needed. It has been proven that for every ten dollars invested in bicycle helmets for children the country is saved thirty dollars in health care costs. This averages out to approximately 109-112 million dollars per year, if only 65 percent of children wear a helmet when riding bicycles.
6) Are helmets really needed for experienced adult cyclists?
Accidents can happen to anyone. They are completely unpredictable even under the very best of circumstances. Even an experienced cyclist may be faced with a dangerous circumstance through no fault of their own, because the cyclist is experienced they may reach extreme speeds which increase the odds of a serious injury in the event of an accident. It is always best to be prepared for anything. In 2006, it was reported that approximately 95% of bicyclists killed in accidents were reportedly not wearing helmets at the time of the accident. Many of those included in this statistic were experienced cyclists.
7) Do helmets always protect the cyclist during impact collisions?
Nothing is 100%. A helmet will not always prevent head injuries during an impact collision. Bicycle helmets are designed and tested to ensure that they absorb a large amount of the impact, but they cannot prevent all of the impact before reaching the brain. In extreme accidents, the impact that helmets cannot absorb may be enough to cause brain damage on others serious injuries to the head, constant and proper use of a bicycle helmet can prevent approximately 85-87% of all impact collision on bicycle related head injuries.
8) How many cyclists actually use helmets?
Approximately, only thirty-five percent of cyclists wear helmets on a regular basis. Avid bicyclists and children are among the most likely to wear helmets regularly and properly. This number is found to be increased in areas in which helmet use is mandated by law, though most feel as if helmets should be used on if a person chooses to use them. Most areas do not have specified laws and regulations on adult cyclists though some areas do currently have laws in place for children under the ages of 12-16, depending upon the area.
9) Is cycling a dangerous hobby, even with a helmet?
Cycling is no more dangerous than many other hobbies, if the rider knows what they are doing and takes proper measures to ensure safety. Most ideas of danger associated with cycling stem from concerns with the carelessness of those driving vehicles on the roads versus cycling itself. Cycling is a sport that demands the cyclist be alert and focused at all times, especially when traveling on rough terrain. Many cyclists do in fact take to the roads where the dangers increase due to other drivers sharing the roads. It is vital to remember to watch what others on the roads are doing just as much as what you are doing to prevent a serious accident from occurring.
10) How can I protect myself aside from a helmet to protect myself when cycling?
The best ways to protect yourself when cycling is to be prepared for anything. A cyclist should perform regular checks of the gears, breaks and steering on their bicycle. Safety also includes wearing proper attire for cycling, i.e. no excessively loose clothing, long shoe laces or other materials that may get caught within the bicycle chains. This can also mean reflective tape, or lightly colored clothing for days when the visibility may not be the best. A cyclist should always ride with the flow of traffic versus against it. It is also extremely important to a cyclists safety to abide by the laws of traffic when riding on roads. Abiding by traffic lights, stopping at stop signs and signaling lane changes is also a very important matter to avoid conflicts or accidents when riding a bicycle.
11) When should my bicycle helmet be replaced?
There is no standard amount of time in which a bicycle helmet needs to be replaced. A helmet should be replaced after any accident, no matter how minor it may be. This is because any impact may damage the helmet, leaving it less effective. If your helmet is a very old helmet, you may consider upgrading to a newer version simply for the latest in safety updates. Older models may lack a thick foam and layer of protection that all newer models now have. It is also a good rule of thumb to check the inside of your helmet for approval stickers to ensure that the helmet has met today's safety standards. If your helmet does not meet these standards, it may be a good idea to replace it- although, keep in mind, an old or non-approved helmet is better than no helmet at all.
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