Cycling is an exciting and healthy way to get around, but safety is always essential, whether you’re riding through city streets or along scenic trails.
The best way to protect yourself while cycling is to wear a helmet.
But remember, simply wearing a helmet isn’t enough—it must be worn correctly to be effective.
In this blog post, we’ll cover everything you need to know to ensure your helmet fits perfectly and provides the safety it’s designed for.
Let’s get started.
The Importance Of Wearing a Bike Helmet
Wearing a bike helmet isn’t just about following the rules; it’s about protecting your most valuable asset—your head.
A comprehensive analysis of multiple studies shows that wearing a helmet significantly lowers injury risk. Helmets reduce head injuries by 51%, severe head injuries by 69%, facial injuries by 33%, and fatal head injuries by 65%.
Unfortunately, many cyclists wear helmets incorrectly, which significantly diminishes their effectiveness. Let’s explore how to wear a bike helmet correctly to ensure maximum protection.
A 7-Step Guide to Wearing Your Bike Helmet Correctly
1. Measure Your Head Circumference
A helmet that fits well does a better job of protecting you. To find the right size, you need to measure your head circumference. Use a flexible tape measure and wrap it around the widest part of your head—typically about an inch above your eyebrows. Note this measurement in centimeters or inches.
2. Choose a Helmet That Fits Snugly
Once you have your measurements, select a helmet that matches your head size. Try on several models to find the one that feels comfortable. It should fit snugly without causing any pressure points.
Remember, comfort is key. If your helmet is uncomfortable, you’re less likely to wear it consistently. Look for helmets with padding and adjustable features to maximize comfort and fit.
Note::
Finding the perfect helmet can sometimes be a bit tricky, especially when your head size falls between two helmet sizes. Say, for instance, your head circumference is 55 cm. You might fit both a size ‘S’ and a size ‘M’ helmet. This means you can choose between a slightly snugger fit or a bit more room.
Quick Tip: If you often wear a cap or hat under your helmet, it’s best to go with the larger size for added comfort.
3. Position The Helmet
Once you have the helmet that fits, the next step is to position it correctly on your head. The helmet should sit level on your head.
A helmet that tilts back will not protect your forehead, while one that tilts forward can obstruct your vision.
An adequately positioned helmet should rest about two fingers’ width above your eyebrows, offering maximum coverage for the front and sides of your head.
Incorrect positioning can compromise the helmet’s ability to protect you during a fall. Ensuring the helmet is in the right spot before adjusting the straps and the fit system is crucial for optimal safety.
4. Adjust The Retention System
Most modern bike helmets come with a retention system, which usually includes an adjustment dial or straps at the back. Use these features to tighten the helmet until it feels snug all around your head.
Your helmet shouldn’t move excessively when you shake your head, but it shouldn’t be so tight that it causes discomfort. A snug fit ensures that the helmet stays in place during a ride or in the event of an accident.
5. Adjust The Side Straps To Form A Y-Shape
The side straps are crucial for keeping the helmet in place. Adjust these straps so that the dividers form a Y-shape just below your ears. This configuration helps stabilize the helmet and prevents it from tilting backward or forward.
Make sure the dividers are positioned comfortably below your earlobes. If the straps are too loose, the helmet might shift during a ride. Conversely, if they’re too tight, they can cause discomfort and distract you from riding.
6. Fasten And Adjust The Chin Strap
The chin strap is a critical component of your bike helmet’s fit. Fasten it securely by buckling it under your chin. The strap should feel snug but not restrictive.
Allow one to two fingers between your chin and the strap. This ensures that the strap is tight enough to keep the helmet in place but not so tight that it restricts your movement or speaking. A loose strap will not effectively hold the helmet in place.
Once the chin strap is adjusted, excess webbing may hang down. Tuck any excess webbing under the chin strap to keep it out of the way. This not only improves the helmet’s appearance but also prevents the straps from flapping around during your ride.
7. Final Check
Before you start riding, it is crucial to perform a final check to ensure your helmet is correctly fitted. Gently try to move the helmet in all directions—front to back and side to side.
The helmet should feel secure and not rock excessively. If it does, revisit the previous steps to make necessary adjustments.
Check the mirror to confirm that the helmet looks and feels right. Once you’re satisfied, you’re ready to ride safely.
Conclusion
The most important step you can take to protect yourself while cycling is to wear a bike helmet correctly.
By following these steps—getting the right fit, positioning the helmet, tightening the retention system, securing the side straps, fastening the chin strap, and performing a final check— you can ensure your helmet provides the maximum protection it was designed to provide.
Remember, consistency is critical. Make helmet use a routine part of your cycling experience.