• 75%of all bicycle
related injuries and
deaths are caused
by collisions involving
the head.• Helmets are 85-88%
effective in protecting
against head injury.
Proper Fit
• It should be positioned
on your head to cover
as much as possible,
including the forehead.• Always buckle the chin
strap. Look for d-rings
or a top quality buckle
that cannot be jiggled
open or ruined by
bending or breaking.
• Use the foam pads that
come with the helmet to
insure proper fit.
Safety Tips
1. Wear a helmet
2. Obey signs and signals
3. Ride on the right,
with traffic
4. Watch for road hazards
5. Use hand signals
6. Lock your bike
7. Children should never
ride at night
8 Watch for cars in
driveways
9. Use caution in
wet weather
10. Be predictable
11. Give your bike
regular check ups
12. Be considerate
Have a Happy Spring!
The most important reason to wear a helmet is to prevent head injuries!
Other reasons are:
Visibility: You’re easier to see-especially at dusk, in rain or fog-or after dark. Helmets with reflective trim are even more visible.
Emergency Data: If you have a medical emergency condition, you can put information on tape inside the brim of your helmet. It will be easy to find in an emergency.
Climate Control: A helmet will keep the sun off your head so that you will stay cooler in hot weather. The extra insulation of a helmet will keep your head warmer in cold weather.
Image: When you wear a helmet, motorists will expect you to ride correctly since you will look like you know what you are doing.
Purchasing Advice
A child of any age needs head protection when riding. A small toddler’s neck muscles may not yet support the weight of a helmet. If in doubt, take child and helmet in to your health care provider for advice. Children’s heads vary widely in shape and size, so pay careful attention to fit and use the foam pads.
The helmet should cover as much of the child’s head as possible, be positioned level and fit securely when the strap is fastened. As with adults, look for ANSI and SNELL stickers.
It is recommended that you never put your child’s name on the outside of the helmet. This has apparently been used by strangers to call the child by name and set up the appearance of acquaintance.
How to Get Your Child to Wear a
Helmet
Let the child help pick it out.
Always insist the child wear it.
When you ride together, set a good example and wear your own helmet.
Praise and reward your child each time they wear it. It may feel strange to them. You can take away some of the discomfort with words of support and encouragement.
Begin the helmet habit with the first bicycle ride.
Encourage other parents to buy and use helmets.
*Adapted with permission from a flyer from the Minnesota DPS
