On the Road Bicyclists

Your Bicycle Helmet - "A Correct Fit"

Fact: A bicycle helmet reduces the risk of serious head injury by 85 percent. All bicycle riders are encouraged to wear helmets whenever they ride. Maryland law requires riders under the age of 16 years to wear approved helmets when riding.

But it’s not enough to simply buy and wear one - you need to make sure it fits properly.

Fitting a Bike Helmet

Position: Put the helmet on your head so it sits evenly between the ears and rests low on your forehead - it should only be about 1-2 finger widths above your eyebrow.

Pads: Put foam pads inside the helmet so it feels comfortable but really snug. Usually, the helmet includes more than one size of foam pads that can be velcroed inside the helmet for a better fit.

Straps: Tighten the chin strap as snugly a possible. Adjust the junction of front and back straps, just under the ears, and secure back strap without putting pressure on the front strap.

If all of this sounds confusing, follow the simple 5-step Fit Test.

A good helmet fit is as important as wearing one... but it takes time. Allow as much as a half hour to get a proper helmet fit. If fitting your child, don’t try to "rush" it as they are trying to go outside to ride. Do it while they are watching TV when they’re relaxed and you have plenty of time. Then secure the adjustments so the helmet is ready for the next ride.