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USE YOUR HEAD. WEAR A HELMET.

Helmets are required for bicyclists younger than 18, but they are not mandatory for adults. Many experts believe that a helmet may protect you from a severe head injury in case of an accident, but some studies have reported contradictory evidence. See below for further resources on helmet safety. If you do wear a helmet, make sure you get the right one:



FIND THE RIGHT HELMET

What kind of helmet should you buy?
  • Find one that fits your head properly. An ill-fitting helmet is useless and possibly dangerous to the wearer. Try more than one brand - a certain brand might feel more comfortable on your head than another
  • A good helmet doesn't have to cost a lot. More expensive helmets offer less weight, better ventilation and easier adjustability, but the protection is the same as a cheaper one
  • Look for the CPSC certification sticker
  • Get a helmet you like, so that you'll actually wear it!
  • Never buy a used helmet - you don't know what it's been through
  • Replace your helmet after a crash or after four years
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HELMET SAFETY INFORMATION
Bicycle Helmet Safety Institute features information on bicycle helmets, standards, safety and laws. www.bhsi.org

Bicycle Helmet Research Foundation provides a range of information of the effectiveness of bike helmets. www.cyclehelmets.org
PROPER HELMET FIT
It should fit snugly, but not tightly.

It should sit level on your head (not tilted back), protecting the front and back of your head.

The "Y" of the straps should cross just below the earlobes. The chin strap should be snug, while allowing two fingers to fit between it and your chin.
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