2009 Bicycle Helmet Safety Guidelines

Last September, I shared with you how my son’s bicycle
helmet saved him from a serious head injury when he lost control of his bike
and crashed. In that post, I reviewed
some bicycle
accident statistics that go a long way to support what we already know –
bicycle helmets save lives.

Now is a
good time to check your family’s helmets for unnoticed wear and tear, before heavy
bike riding begins in the spring. If you
find signs of aging or abuse (I’m sure our sons’ helmets have hit the garage
floor on the way to the rack more than once) it’s time to get a new one. Especially check for cracks or compressions
in the foam and loose straps or damaged clasps. For children, it is also critical to make sure
the helmet still fits well.

While there are not any new helmet standards for
the upcoming year, if you are in the market for a new bicycle helmet, start by
reading the Bicycle Helmet Safety
Institute’s review of 2009 bicycle helmets.
It will give you all the information you need to make an informed choice. In addition to specific models, the Institute
recommends the following general rules for choosing a bicycle helmet:

1. Meets the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) bicycle helmet standard. (as indicated
by labels affixed to helmet)

2. Fits you well.

3. Has a rounded, smooth exterior with no major snag
points.

4. Has no more vents than you need. More vents = less
foam.