Wear a helmet

A bicycle helmet protects your head in the event of an encounter with the ground, and is a cheap form of life insurance on both long and short bike rides.

Things to keep in mind when choosing a bicycle helmet

There are a number of things to consider to ensure you get the helmet that is best for you.

Choose a helmet that

• is approved (labelled CE 1078).
• fits well without numerous adjustments of the size. The size of the helmet should fit the head well. This provides the best protection in the event of impact.
• is well-ventilated and feels comfortable. Good ventilation prevents the helmet from becoming warm and sticky. This makes for a better helmet experience.
• has a strong colour or is reflective so that you will be visible in traffic. It is not always easy to see cyclists in a busy traffic situation. If you choose bright colours even for your helmet, you will be easier to see as a cyclist.

When you have a cycle helmet that fits your head, it is also important to use it correctly to ensure that the helmet provides the intended protection.

Wear your bicycle helmet correctly

• Fit the helmet so that it covers both your forehead and back of the head. Many people tend to push the helmet backwards so that the forehead is bare. This will prevent the helmet from providing the intended protection. Most head injuries are actually forehead injuries.
• Always fasten the strap – it is tight enough when you can put a finger between the strap and the chin. If the strap is too loose, the helmet may slip during the fall and not provide protection where it is needed.
• Buy a new helmet if the old one has been subject to a strong impact, and be cautious of taking over a used helmet. A second-hand helmet may have sustained invisible damage and should be discarded.
• Always use a helmet when cycling, also on short trips.