Bicycle Helmet Use

GENERAL INFORMATION:

Why does my child need a bicycle helmet? Your child should wear a helmet every time he rides a bicycle. Wearing a helmet is the best way to protect your child's head from injury. Your child should start wearing a helmet while learning how to ride a bicycle. If your child already rides a bicycle and does not have a helmet, be sure to get one for your child. Your child should also wear a helmet if he is a passenger of an adult bicycle or rides a tricycle. If you wear a bicycle helmet, your child will more likely want to wear one too. Bicycle riders ages 14 and under are at a greater risk for injury than older riders.

What is the safest bicycle helmet for my child?

• The safest helmet is a new one that meets the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) standard. This standard makes sure the helmet provides the right amount of head protection and that the chin straps are strong. Your child's helmet must have a CPSC sticker on the inside of it to meet this standard. Some older helmets may not have a CPSC sticker, but a different standard sticker. These older helmets should have at least one of the following stickers before your child uses the helmet:
  
  
  • American Society of Testing Materials (ASTM)
    
    
  • American National Standards Institute (ANSI)
    
    
  • Snell Standard
  
  
• The safest helmet is one that fits your child's head properly and comfortably. Your child is more likely to wear a helmet if it fits well. A helmet must fit snugly, so it does not slip if your child falls. It should lie flat on your child's head and should not be tipped in any other direction. The helmet should not rock back-to-front or side-to-side once the strap is tightened.
  
  
• The safest helmet is one with a chin strap that is easy to adjust, fits right, and is comfortable. Once the strap is buckled and adjusted, the helmet should not come off if you pull on the helmet. The V of the straps should meet at the bottom of your child's ears. Your finger should fit between your child's chin and the strap when your child's mouth is closed. This will make sure your child's strap is not too tight. Your child should always keep the strap comfortably snug while riding.
  
  
• The safest helmet is one that is round, smooth, and with a hard plastic shell. This type of helmet will easily slide over the ground if your child falls. Your child's helmet should have bright colors. People in cars and other cyclists can easily see a bright colored helmet.

Can my child use a helmet that has been in a crash? Replace the helmet if your child crashes in it. Even if the helmet looks okay, replace it with a new one. If any part of the buckle or strap breaks, it should be replaced. If you are not sure if the helmet or strap needs to be replaced, take it to a bicycle shop. They can make sure the helmet is still safe to use or they may be able to fix it.

How can I get my child to wear a helmet?

• Children copy adult behavior, so make sure you wear a helmet when you ride a bicycle. This will help keep you safe as well. It is important to choose a helmet your child will wear. Your child may be more likely to wear a helmet if he can pick the color of the helmet.
  
  
• Teach your child to hang the helmet from the handlebars when not riding the bicycle. This helps your child remember to put it on before every ride. Your child should never wear a bicycle helmet while playing at a playground. The helmet can get caught on some of the equipment causing serious injury.

When will my child need a new helmet? Your child's helmet should fit for several years. Some helmets have padding on the inside of the helmet that can be replaced with thinner ones. So, as your child's head grows, you can replace the padding for a better fit. Over time, the foam fitting pads inside the helmet wear down and may need to be replaced for a better fit.

CARE AGREEMENT:

You have the right to help plan your child's care. To help with this plan, you must learn about bicycle helmets. You can then discuss choices with your child's caregiver. Work with them to decide what choices may be best for your child.

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