THE BEST DEFENSE IS A GOOD HELMET
The bicycle helmet is among the most effective and elegant inventions in modern transportation safety. But according to the National Survey of Bicyclist and Pedestrian Attitudes and Behavior, there is a 50 percent chance you never wear a helmet when biking and a 65 percent chance you only wear one occasionally. So as your father might have said to you long ago, “No one is upset with you, but we could stand to have a little talk.”
YOU HAVE SOME INTERESTING CONCERNS THERE
What good are helmets in collisions, really?Did you know that head injuries account for 62.6 percent of all bicycle fatalities, according to the Children’s Safety Network? If helmets were worn consistently, that percentage would plummet significantly. Though not as showy as an old-fashioned suit of armor, the modern helmet is in a class of its own. How does it work? A helmet’s special liner compresses at impact to absorb damaging shocks to the brain.
I know bike helmets are safe, but they’re just not cool.You might not wear a bike helmet to prom or to the company Christmas party, but that doesn’t make them uncool. Helmets could reduce the severity of up to 88 percent of cyclists’ head injuries and protect your modeling career. The debate is over. Helmets are awesome*.
Helmets are too expensive. I can’t afford one!Allow our database of discount or free helmet services come to your rescue! Our database is searchable by city. There are many organizations that reach out to low-income citizens and will gladly fit you or your child in a helmet for cheap or free.
- Photo Bicycle Paper Archives
CHOOSING A HELMET
When choosing a helmet, there are a few things to remember:
- Choose bright colors that can be seen easily by other cyclists and drivers.
- Find a helmet that is ventilated well.
- Select a helmet that has a CPSC or a Snell sticker on the inside. These show that the helmet has met standards set by the Snell Memorial Foundation or the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). The Snell Memorial Foundation website has a list of certified helmets that meet their standards.
- Never wear a helmet that is cracked, broken, or has been in a crash.
- Choose a helmet that is round and smooth, with a hard plastic shell that will slide over the ground in case of a fall or crash.
- Photo Bicycle Paper Archives
HOW SHOULD A HELMET FIT?
According to some studies, many helmets (over 90%) are incorrectly fitted. Most new helmets come with additional pads that can be used to adjust the fit. Use these where there is extra room at the sides, front, or back of your helmet.
A three-point check called the “Eyes, Ears, Mouth Test” can be performed to determine a helmet’s proper fit:
1.Eyes
The helmet should sit level on your head, resting low on the forehead, one to two finger widths above the eyebrows. You should be able to see the very edge of the helmet by looking up with your eyes. If you cannot see the helmet, it is pushed too far back and won’t adequately protect your face or the front of your head in the event of a crash.
2.Ears
The straps should be even, and form a “Y” just underneath each earlobe. They should be snug, but not too tight.
3.Mouth
The buckled chinstrap should fit comfortably yet snug, allowing you to fit one finger between the buckle and the chin. If you open your mouth, you should feel the helmet pulling down on top.
The “Eyes, Ears, Mouth Test” is courtesy of Bicycle Coalition of Maine and Children’s Hospital.
Checking the Fit
Use one hand to move the helmet forward, backward, and side-to-side. If it moves more than an inch forward or backward, adjust the straps and if it moves from side to side, add thicker pads to the inside.
HELMET MAINTENANCE
- Replace your helmet every 3-5 years to ensure optimal protection.
- If your helmet suffers an impact, replace it immediately — even if the helmet’s manufacturer touts “multi-impact” technology. Every crash is different and there is no guarantee, no matter what the materials used, that a helmet can offer unlimited protection.
- Clean your helmet with a soft cloth or sponge with warm water and dish soap. Petroleum-based products can damage protective materials.
- Store in a cool, dry place to avoid heat and water damage.
- Photo courtesy of Greg Descantes
HELMET LAWS AND YOU or SAVE YOUR LIFE AND YOUR WALLET
There is no federal law requiring helmet use in the United States. The following information details helmet laws by state.
WashingtonAccording to the Department of Transportation, Washington State does not have any current laws requiring bicycle helmet use. However, the following cities do require helmets:
| Location Name | Who is Affected | Effective Date |
|---|---|---|
| Aberdeen | All ages | 2001 |
| Bainbridge Island | All ages | 2001 |
| Bremerton | All ages | 2000 |
| DuPont | All ages | 2008 |
| Eatonville | Under 16 | 1996 |
| Fircrest | All ages | 1995 |
| Gig Harbor | All ages | 1996 |
| Kent | All ages | N/A |
| King County | All ages | 1993, 2003 updated to include Seattle |
| Lakewood | All ages | 1996 |
| Milton | All ages | 1997 |
| Orting | Under 17 | 1997 |
| Pierce County (unincorporated) | All ages | 1994 |
| Port Angeles | All ages | 1994 |
| Port Orchard | All ages | 2004 |
| Poulsbo | Under 18 | 1995 |
| Puyallup | All ages | 1994 |
| Renton | All ages | 1999 |
| Spokane | All ages | 2004 |
| Steilacoom | All ages | 1995 |
| Tacoma | All ages | 1994 |
| University Place | All ages | 1996 |
| Vancouver | All ages | 2008 |
| All Military Installations | All ages | N/A |
Information courtesy of Washington State Department of Transportation.
- Photo courtesy of ALAW 2004 (American Lung Assoc. of WA)
Oregon
Any youth under age 16 riding a bike or when a passenger on a bike in any public place (streets, roads, sidewalks, parks, etc.) must wear bicycle helmets labeled ANSI and/or Snell approved.
Idaho
There is no law for bicycle helmet use in Idaho.
Colorado
There is no law for bicycle helmet use in Colorado.
New Mexico
Helmets are required by cyclists age 18 and under.
Wyoming
There is no law for helmet use in Wyoming.
Utah
There is no law for helmet use in Utah.
