Fitting a Bike Helmet

Position: Put the helmet on your head so it sits evenly between the ears and rest 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 as possible. Adjust the junction of front and back straps just under the ears and secure back strap without putting pressure on the front strap.
There is a five step helmet fit test that your helmet should pass before you use it.

Step 1 - With one hand, gently lift the front of the helmet up and back.
Problem - Helmet moves back to uncover the forehead.
Solution - Tighten front strap to junction. Also, adjust padding thickness and/or position, especially in back. Make sure chin strap is snug. If this doesn't work, the helmet may be too big.

Step 2 - With one hand, gently lift the back of the helmet up and forward.
Problem - Helmet moves forward to cover eyes.
Solution - Tighten back strap. Make sure chin strap is snug. Also, adjust padding thickness and/or position, especially in front.

Step 3 - Put a hand on each side of the helmet and rock from side to side. Shake your head "no" as hard as possible.
Problem - Helmet slips from side to side.
Solution - Check padding on sides and make sure straps are evenly adjusted.

Step 4 - Open you mouth (lower jaw) as wide as possible, without moving you head. The top of the helmet should pull down.
Problem - Helmet does not pull down when opening your mouth.
Solution - Tighten chin strap. Make sure the front and back strap junction is under each ear.

Step 5 - Check to see if the front edge of helmet covers your forehead. The front edge of the helmet should not be more than 1 to 2 finger-widths from your eyebrows.
Problem - Helmet does not cover forehead.
Solution - Position helmet no more than 1 to 2 finger-widths above eyebrows. Tighten any loose straps. Make adjustments so the helmet stays over the forehead.

Have someone else test your helmet fit by doing the 5-Step Test outlined above. Hold your head still during the 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. Secure the adjustments so the helmet is ready for the next ride.

Buying a Bike Helmet

• Buy a helmet that has been tested and meets the uniform safety standard issued by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), or one or more of the voluntary bicycle helmet standards like ASTM, Snell or ANSI. You can tell this by looking for a label or sticker that says the helmet meets the standard.



• Select a brand and size that fits well prior to any adjustments. Adjustable sizing pads are often included to help ensure a better fit. Buy one that's comfortable and attractive. You'll be more likely to wear it.



• Buy a helmet that you can wear now, not a helmet that you will "grow into."



• Replace any helmet that has been involved in a crash!


FACT: A bicycle helmet reduces the risk of serious head and brain injury by 85 - 88%. But it's not enough to simply buy and wear one - you need to make sure it fits properly.