Helmets

Practicing safe cycling principles will help you avoid crashes, but you need to be prepared if one occurs. New York State, requires helmets for cyclists under the age 14 (who are more crash-prone). Helmets are highly advised for everyone else. A 2023 NHTSA analysis reports helmets reduced head injuries by 48%, serious head injury by 60%, traumatic brain injury by 53%, face injury by 23%, and the total number of killed or seriously injured bicyclists by 34%. Cars aren’t the only thing that can hurt you. Your bike can have a mechanical issue or your tire can get stuck in a sewer grate, throwing you over your handlebars and causing your head to go straight to the pavement. Helmets have saved the lives of many people who have had crashes like these.

	If you don’t like the way your helmet looks, keep looking. Pick a helmet that fits your style and you’ll be more likely to wear it.
	Once you’ve got your helmet, it must be fit properly. The key to a great helmet fit is 2 - V - 1. The 2 is for two finger widths between your eyebrows and the base of the helmet when it is level on your head. You don’t want your helmet tilted up so your forehead is exposed. The V is for those straps that come together to form a V or Y on the sides. Make sure they come together just under your earlobes. The 1 is for the one finger you should be able to fit under your chin when that chin strap is clasped. If you have room for more than one finger, the chin strap needs to be tightened. In the event of a crash, the helmet provides “pretty good brain protection” only when it is fitted properly.
	Some other points to remember: Once a helmet has taken that impact, it’s time to get a new helmet. Make sure any helmet you buy has a CPSC sticker, ensuring it meets national standards.
	Some other points to remember: Once a helmet has taken that impact, it’s time to get a new helmet. Make sure any helmet you buy has a CPSC sticker, ensuring it meets national standards. For a good resource on buying cheap helmets in bulk, see here.