The most important thing you can do to protect yourself while riding a bicycle is to protect your head with a helmet. A bicycle helmet reduces the risk of serious head injuries by 80 to 85%. It’s not enough to buy and wear a helmet, you need to make sure that it fits properly.
- Purchase a helmet that meets or exceeds the British Safety standards.
- Select a brand and size that fits your child’s head now, prior to adjustments. Adjustable sizing pads are often included to help ensure a better fit.
- The helmet should be comfortable and attractive. Your child will be more likely to wear it.
- Replace any helmet that is involved in a crash or if it no longer fits properly.
Fitting a Bike Helmet Properly
- Put the helmet on your head so it sits evenly between the ears and rests low on your forehead – it should only be about 1-2 finger widths above your eyebrows.
- The helmet should fit on top of the head in a level position and should not rock forward and back or from side to side.
- The helmet must always be fastened firmly under the chin. Make sure the front and back strap junction lies under each ear.
Safety Tips While Riding Your Bicycle
- Wear a bicycle helmet on every ride. Make sure it fits and your child knows how to put it on correctly.
- Make sure the bicycle fits your child’s height, weight and age. When he/she sits on the seat, his/her feet should be able to touch the ground.
- Wear light, bright colors.
- Ride so drivers and other cyclists can see you. Bikers should ride one behind another and with the flow of traffic.
- Look left-right-left for oncoming vehicles before turning or crossing a street. Go only when it is clear.
- Use appropriate hand signals; respect traffic signals. Stop at all stop signs and stoplights.
- Inflate tyres properly and check the brakes before riding.
Posted by John 
