Safety Helmets For Cyclists

The use of safety helmets for cyclists is mandatory in most western countries. This not only makes cycling a safe sport but also saves several lives on the road. It also saves several young men and women from suffering crippling head injuries because of accidents.

But for the helmet to be useful, it must fit properly. An ill-fitting helmet may give some protection but not sufficient protection. Preferably, there should be no space between the head and the helmet padding. Loose helmets are prone to jerks, and can actually crash into your skull when you hit the road.

Good bicycle helmets are made of foam polystyrene, a material that contains a high number of small air pockets. When these pockets are crushed, they absorb the force, protecting the cyclist’s head from the sudden impact.

Another benefit of polystyrene is its flexibility. It is a strong material but can be molded into any shape that makes it possible to make helmets that converge well over the head. The air pockets make these helmets warm during summers. However, todays helmets with more air vents are available. These keep the heads well ventilated and cool. But the reduction of air pockets leads to reduction in the amount of energy absorbed and the helmet becomes less protective. One simply has to balance safety against comfort.

The usefulness of helmet is also lost when the rider is careless. Helmets placed carelessly on the head or loosely strapped helmets are likely to result in serious injuries during an accident. Similarly, cheap helmets may look good but they may not offer the necessary protection in case of an accident. .

Helmets are needed not only for cycling but also for other sports like motorbike races and horse riding. The injuries in these instances are far more severe because the rider is moving at a much higher speed. A cyclist falling from a height of 2 feet is likely to sustain less severe injuries as compared to a cyclist falling from a height of 8 feet. In both cases, the danger is there. This is the reason why parents and teachers must insist that their children wear protective helmets while cycling.

Statistics reveal that the highest number of road deaths are caused by head injuries because the cyclists were not wearing protective helmets. There is little consolation for those who actually escape death – many of them end up with crippling injuries.

Learn how to ride faster than you ever thought possible

You certainly don’t want to be one of them. To avoid this, then you must learn to wear a helmet – even when you are going down to school. Keep in mind, a helmet is not an appendage, it is your best protector.

Tagged with: biking tips • safety gear

Filed under: Bikes