Windsor Essex County Health Unit
Bike helmets: What you need to know
It’s finally getting warm outside, and
children are eager to get out and ride their
bikes. Before they get going, it’s not only
important to remind them to wear their
helmet, but there are a few Do’s and Don’ts
everyone needs to know about bike helmets.
Don’t forget to make sure that
everyone’s helmet fits properly. Did you
know that wearing a properly fitted bike
helmet can reduce the risk of a serious head
injury by up to 85 per cent? According to
Canada’s leading injury prevention
organization, Parachute Canada, “four out of
five brain injuries could be prevented if
every cyclist wore a helmet.” A helmet
works by absorbing the force of a crash
thereby reducing the impact to your head
and brain.
Do make sure you use the “2V1”rule to
fit a bike helmet properly so it can protect
you. The helmet should rest “2” fingers
width above the eyebrows. The straps
should lay flat and snug around the ears
making a “V” shape. Buckle the chin strap
and tighten it until you can fit one finger
between the chin and the strap. The helmet
should not move more than one inch in any
direction when shaking your head. Also,
never put anything under a helmet (e.g.,
baseball hat, hair clips, etc.). This may
change the way a helmet fits and can
increase your risk of injury if you fall and
hit your head.
Do take time to teach your child the “2
V1” rule, and to check the helmet fit each
time before a ride. Also, it’s best not to put
stickers on yours or your child’s helmet.
Stickers can cover cracks and may weaken
the helmet’s plastic.
Do replace a bike helmet if:
• It has been in a crash. Bike helmets are not
designed for multiple impacts.
• It has been dropped hard on the ground,
enough to crack the foam.
• The inside foam is falling apart.
• It’s more than 5 years old. The plastic on
the helmet dries out and becomes brittle
with age.
Don’t use a second hand helmet, since
you don’t know what that helmet has been
through. When buying a new helmet look
for a safety standard sticker from an
approved safety organization such as the
Canadian Standards Association (CSA),
Snell or American Society for Testing and
Materials (ASTM). Also, remember certain
helmets are to be used for certain activities
only. For example, a bike helmet should be
used for biking or inline skating but not
skateboarding. Therefore, always refer to the
helmet’s manufacturer guidelines and
manuals to make sure you’re using the
helmet for its correct activity.
In Ontario, the current law for bike
helmet use applies only to those under 18
years of age. However, it’s strongly
recommended that parents wear a helmet
for their own safety, and to be a good role
model. In fact, research shows that children
and teenagers model their parents’ safety
behaviours. Do wear your helmet, so they
will too!
For more information on helmet safety,
call 519-258-2146 ext. 3100. You can also
visit www.safetyvillage.com to view Bike
Safety videos or connect with us on
Facebook and Twitter. We will be posting
regular information on getting active and
being safe on our social media accounts
during the months of April to June.
Visit wechu.org to learn more about
cycling safety for children and adults
6 The HUB -May 2015