What You Need to Know about Bicycle Helmets

New Jersey state law may not require cyclists to wear helmets, but it’s always a good idea to do it anyway. Head injuries are often the most serious injuries suffered in bike accidents, and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety estimates that wearing a helmet can reduce the risk of a head injury by 85%.

Don’t yet own a bike helmet? Here’s what you should know when you go to buy one.

Know What Type of Helmet Is Best for You

There are three basic types of bike helmets, and the one you choose will depend largely on what type of bike riding you plan to do.

· Road bike helmet: If you’re planning to train seriously for road races or triathlons, this is the type of helmet that you’ll want. It’s lightweight, aerodynamic, and has plenty of ventilation.

· Mountain bike helmet: If you intend to take up mountain biking, you should choose this type of helmet, which features a visor and enhanced rear-head coverage to protect you in the event of an off-road accident.

· Multi-use helmet: This is the most common and economic type of bike helmet, frequently used by casual riders and commuters. It can also be used for road and mountain biking if you aren’t competing at the top level.

Know What to Look For

Before purchasing a helmet, make sure it has a CPSC sticker on the inside, indicating that it meets all the safety standards of the Consumer Product Safety Commission (even lower-cost helmets should have this sticker). You should also watch out for helmets that have unusually thin straps or complicated adjustments. If you plan to ride in warm weather, avoid dark colored helmets that will heat up a lot. You should also look out for helmets with inadequate ventilation—your comfort is important!

Know How to Fit Your Helmet

Mountain and road bike helmets typically come in small, medium, large, and extended sizes, but most multi-use helmets are one-size-fits-all and come with adjustable straps. If you purchase a multi-use helmet, you’ll most likely find a sizing wheel that will allow you to adjust the back strap. You will also be able to adjust the chin strap. Your helmet should sit level on your head, rather than tilting forward or backward, and should not be able to move more than an inch in any direction when properly fitted. If the helmet can move more than an inch, tighten the straps below your ears. The straps should rest under your ears and form a “V” while remaining comfortable (don’t pull the chinstrap so tight that you feel like you’re about to choke).

Still unsure what helmet is right for you? Come into Hart’s Cyclery and get advice from one of our knowledgeable bike shop employees or from owner Ross Hart himself.