Deeply embedded in the ego of even the most seasoned
cyclist is an air of invincibility.
We tell ourselves: “I’ve ridden for years without a bruise. My
keen judgment and quick reflexes are enough avert any
unfortunate cycling crash. Crashes are for beginners.”
But, as with all sports, accidents happen.
In fact, cycling rests just below football when it comes to
sport-related injuries. Many cyclists often joke that a biker
isn’t a true cyclist until they’ve had their first spill.
So, if you haven’t yet had that day when
your tush meets the pavement, chances are it will someday. It’s
almost inevitable. So it’s best to be prepared. Caution starts
in protecting your most valuable asset: your head.
Consider this:
- Of the more than 85 million cyclists
in the United States, 600 cyclists die each year from
cycle-related accidents.
- An estimated 1 in 8 reported cycling
injuries results in a brain injury.
- In 2003 eighty-five percent of cycling
fatalities involved cyclists not wearing a helmet, according
to an Institute for Highway Safety report.
527 deaths occurred without helmets
57 deaths occurred with helmets
A helmet protects your head by breaking
apart upon impact, absorbing shock. Needless to say, wearing a
helmet drastically decreases your chance of a cycling brain
injury or fatality.
And unlike the primordial years when bike
helmets looked like deflated kickballs, modern cycle helmets are
lightweight, vented, and increasingly more stylish. They come
in an array of colors. Some manufacturers even have child and
women-only product lines.
Helmets are also very affordable. A good
helmet can be bought from between $15-$50.
When selecting a helmet, be sure to select
one that is certified by the Consumer Product Safety Commission.
The CPSC is a research group that was tasked by the U.S.
Government in1999 to set a standard for bicycle helmets. It
maintains that role today.
Although a helmet decreases risk of head
injury it is not a cure-all from all types of injuries. The most
practical way to play it safe is to implement overall safe
riding practices.
In order to get the maximum protection from
your helmet, it should be worn properly. Here are some tips on
correct usage:
- Apply recommended helmet position.
The helmet should be straight and level on the head. It
should cover the dome from the top few inches of the
forehead to the back cusp of the skull. This protects the
most critical and injured parts of the cranium.
- Secure the chinstrap. Adjust
the chin strap and back-ear strap for a snug fit. Make
sure it’s not too tight and not too loose. The idea is to
prevent the helmet from excessive movement.
- Use the retention strap. Most
new helmets come with a retaining ring. This is an
adjustable plastic strap that lines the back of the helmet.
Adjusting it to your fit keeps the helmet from sliding too
far back on the head, exposing the frontal lobes.
All in all, we recommend you wear your
helmet in compliance with its manufacturer specifications for
the highest degree of head protection.
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