cautions		links
	learn about important safety information. more		view an extensive list of resources on the web. more

Cautions

	1) Wear a helmet:   A helmet is your last line of defense in an accident; never ride without one   Helmets can reduce serious head injuries by 85% in a crash   A helmet will not protect you if it does not fit properly
	2) Always wear a properly fitting helmet:   Make sure that the helmet fits on top of the head, not tipped back   Always wear a helmet while riding a bike, no matter how short the trip   After a crash or any impact that affects your helmet, replace it immediately
	3) Shell and pads:   Find the smallest helmet shell size that fits over your head   Helmet pads should not be used to make a helmet that is too big fit your head   Leave about two-fingers width between your eyebrows and the front of the helmet
	4) Straps:   The straps should be joined just under each ear at the jawbone   The buckle should be snug with your mouth completely open   Periodically check your strap adjustment; improper fit can render a helmet useless
	5) Ventilation:   In general, the more vents the better; improper ventilation can cause overheating   Helmets with good ventilation can actually be cooler than riding with no helmet at all   More vents usually mean a higher priced helmet; buy one that you will want to wear
	6) Colors:   Helmets come in all different colors in different models; buy a highly visible color   Shell color does not affect the temperature; black shell will not be hotter in the sun   Pick a color that encourages you to wear it
	Remember, a helmet and good cycling skills go hand in hand. Even though you're wearing a helmet, it's important to always practice safe riding.

cautions

links

top of page

Links

 

	Kids and Helmets: A Guide for Adults: Tips, advice, toolkits, free materials, starting a helmet campaign & more!
		The Bicycle Helmet Safety Institute http://www.helmets.org The Bicycle Helmet Safety Institute (BHSI)'s Web site is a veritable clearinghouse of information on the subject. Go there for information on anything from general safety tips and stats, to consumer and recall info, and almost any other helmet topic you can think of. BHSI is the helmet advocacy program of the Washington Area Bicyclist association. They provide a handy online toolkit for organizers of helmet safety campaigns (including where to find inexpensive helmets for promotional use ), answer the question whether a "college brain" is worth protecting, and even provide some advice for bald cyclists! National Bicycle Safety Network's Bike Helmet Section http://www.cdc.gov/ncipc/bike/helmets.htm This page's strength is that it provides links to several key websites dedicated to bicycle helmets. How To Create Your Own Bicycle Helmet Campaign http://www.edc.org/HHD/csn/buildbridges/bb1.3/oregon.html Can you tell me how to bike to Sesame Street? http://www.sesameworkshop.org/parents/solutions/information/0,6412,29060,00.html Specialists at the Children's Memorial Medical Center in Chicago discuss the perfect bike helmet and give helpful tips for outfitting children with a bicycle helmet. Safe Riders http://www.tdh.state.tx.us/injury/safe/free2.htm Find free helmet stuff from Safe Riders including pamphlets and posters. Bike Safety Poster http://www.rtis.com/reg/bcs/org/bvcweb/bvc-tips.htm This poster provides a cool graphic for every bike safety situation, including wearing helmets. Ontario Coalition for Better Bicycling http://www.magma.ca/~ocbc/index.html Helmet FAQs. American Association of Pediatricians http://www.aap.org/family/tipsfor.htm Tips for getting a child to wear a helmet. Helmet Fit http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/people/outreach/safesobr/18qp2/bikehelmet/ NHTSA's Tips on achieving the perfect bike helmet fit. More helmet fit tips http://www.bikeleague.org/educenter/factsheets/helmetfit.htm From the Leauge of American Bicyclists. Getting to School Community Action Safety Kit http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/people/injury/pedbimot/bike/Getting_to_School/toc.html NHTSA's indispensable collection of articles, factsheets, tips and more that cover bike, bus, and pedestrian safety. "Do I have to wear a helmet, Mom?" http://www.safekids.org/tier3_cd.cfm?content_item_id=304&folder;_id=169 This Safe Kids article will help you answer that question.
	Kids and Helmets: Fun Stuff Just for Kids: Play games, color pictures, read stories and comics, and chat with other kids about helmet stuff!
		Ride with a Couple of Dummies http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/kids/biketour/index.html Take the illustrated Safety City Bike Tour with Vince and Larry, the crash test dummies! Includes stops at Helmet Junction, City Biking, and even a few Danger Zones. Provided by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA.) Motor City Mayhem? http://www.radrider.com See Rad Rider, Safety Cycler with his Protectron Helmet and his trusty two-wheeled steed, the "Red Racer" in the fast-paced interactive comic book "Motor City Mayhem." Then take Rad Rider's Safety Test for Kids. Free Comic Book! http://www.cpsc.gov/kids/kids.html Download Sprocketman and read the adventures of another helmet-wearing superhero cyclist. Color on Sesame Street: http://www.sesameworkshop.org/sesamestreet/coloringpages/view/0,1155,10389,00.html Ernie on his Bike. Watch a Helmet Cartoon http://www.chp.edu/besafe/kids/01biking.php A very short animated cartoon in which Jen displays the right way to wear a helmet and other bicycling safety basics.