Bike helmets made simple
Summary: Helmet facts in plain language.
What is a bike helmet
A helmet protects your brain when you fall. It has a thin shell on the outside and thick
foam inside. It has a strap to keep it on when you fly through the air. It only covers your head, and the rest of your
body is exposed. So you still have to be careful.
How does a helmet work?
The foam crushes when you hit the road. That cushions the blow, and usually saves your
brain. The shell makes it skid on the street so your neck does not get jerked. The shell also keeps the foam in one
piece. The straps keep it on your head.
If the strap is not right, your helmet can slip to the side or to the back. Then your bare head can hit the road.
Ouch. Pavement is very very hard.
Why wear one?
Being careful and not crashing is the best way. That's better than crashing in a helmet! The helmet
only covers your head. So you need to learn the rules of the road and ride that way. But even the best riders crash. If
you hurt your brain it can change you. You may not be able to read this page, or play video games, or talk, or run, or
tie your own shoes or even feed yourself.
Some people do not wear bike helmets. Don't let that stop you. You need one when you ride your bike. They do too, but
they just don't know it yet.
How do I pick one?
Find a helmet that fits you. That's really the most important part. That will keep it on your
head while you fly through the air or over the handlebars. Work on the straps to get the fit just right. It's easier if
you have somebody help you.
You don't have to pay a lot for a good helmet. But be sure it fits you, you like it and you will wear it.
Your helmet is good for only one bad crash. That damages the foam and you have to replace it. So you can wear a bike
helmet to skate if you use inline skates and don't crash every day. For skateboards where you do crash a lot, you need a
different helmet that recovers after a crash. Skateboard helmets should have a sticker inside that says ASTM
F-1492.