How To Fit a Bike Helmet

The great debate about cycling helmets is not likely to disappear. But, when cycling around Oxford, I am often surprised to see alot of people who wear a helmet, fail to wear it properly. If you do make the effort to wear a helmet you might as well wear it properly.

Incorrect Fitting of Helmet

from: flickr

In particular the most common problem is to wear the helmet too far back on the head. If you were to land on your forehead the first thing to hit the ground would be your head rather than your helmet. The other mistake is to wear the helmet too loose. It is suggested that badly fitting helmets can actually cause injury when you fall because they can twist your neck.

Tips for Correct fitting of Bike Helmet

photo by Zimpenfish

• Measure circumference of head about 3 cm above eyebrows. Match your headsize to helmet. It doesn’t have to be exact fit as there will be some leeway with straps and padding.
• Place your head squarely on your head so front protrudes above forehead. Then adjust inner padding and inner straps so the helmet is snug. Not loose, but not too tight. Then replace the helmet and use the main outer straps to get a snug fit.
• The front strap should be as vertical as possible.
  The buckle should be under the chin, not on the jaw.
  If you try to move the helmet, it should only give a slight movement on the head. If it is easy to roll the helmet around the head, it is not tight enough.
• Other tips for using a helmet.
• If you crash, or have a heavy impact on helmet - get a new one.
  Just because you are wearing a helmet doesn’t make you ’safe’ on the roads. At the best it will minimise impact of head injuries.

Related

• Cycle Helmets at Wiggle
• Giro helmets