Bicycle Helmets - Of love, hate, complacency
and conquest.
When it comes to helmet use, bicyclists seem to fall into three camps: the helmet lovers who feel naked without one; the helmet haters who wouldn’t be caught dead in one; and the helmet NONOH’s (not on my own head) who think helmets are all right but either don’t think they need to wear one or just don’t get around to it.
Bike Smart! program specialist Saskia Lucas makes the case for helmets, as well as addresses common pitfalls and the most common hair-pulling helmet question parents ask:
What can I do to get my teen to wear a bicycle helmet?!
Bicycle helmets – the cheapest safety insurance money can buy
Did you know brain injury causes as many as eight out of ten deaths in bike crashes? The good new is that use of a properly fitted bicycle helmet reduces the risk of brain injury by up to 85%, making the relatively inexpensive investment in a helmet a no-brainer. Helmets are required by law for those under 18 years old when riding a bicycle, skateboard, scooter, or skates. For adult cyclists, wearing a helmet not only sets a good example, but can also save your life. No one expects to crash, but if you do, don’t get caught without your bicycle helmet insurance.
How to make the most of your helmet
A bicycle helmet must fit properly to provide maximum protection. It should cover most of your forehead, resting slightly above your eyebrows and fit snugly. If the helmet moves when you shake your head, replace the pads or get a different size helmet. The side straps should meet in a ‘V’ just below your earlobes. Most importantly, the chinstrap must be fastened and snug under your chin. To adjust the strap, be sure to take the ends of the strap out of the small rubber band before tightening (sometimes it hides next to the buckle.) Once adjusted to the correct length, replace the straps back though the rubber band.
Tips for getting teens to wear a bicycle helmet
Teens are more likely to wear a helmet they think looks good and is cool. Consider taking your reluctant teen shopping for a new helmet at your favorite local bike store. There are lots of great styles, colors and graphics to choose from these days and your teen is likely to find a helmet s/he wants to wear. Also, remind the reluctant youth that doing something new—like wearing a helmet—always feels awkward at first. But once you get in the helmet habit, you won’t even notice it’s there.
Program Contact
Saskia Lucas
Ecology Action
Phone: 831.426.5925 ext. 129
Fax: 831.425.1404
Email
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