Why Are Cycling Helmets Significant?
A cycling helmet is a helmet that is supposed to be worn during bicycle riding. Cycling Helmets are structured in such a way that it will reduce the strength or magnitude of impacts to the head of the rider in falls or other forms of accidents. Cycling helmets are also designed to provide comfort and more safety by lessening possible obstructions with the rider’s peripheral vision.
A significant aspect of these helmets that tend to be disregarded by people is the fit and care. It is very vital that the helmet fits the head of the rider perfectly to give optimum safety and protection of the head. According to one research, they have found out that around 96% of children and adolescents with ages ranging from 4 to 18 don’t have properly fitted helmets. This will usually increase the chances by two times.
Majority of the manufacturers of cycling helmets present various kinds of sizes that range from children’s size to adult’s size. These sizes may also have sub variations: small, medium and large. The right size is really important. Right fitting can also be done by the use of foam pads with varying thickness. Helmets are held in place in the head of a rider with the use of nylon supporting strap that also have to be appropriately adjusted to give comfort to the rider.
A lot of helmets do have several alteration points along the strap that will allow the strap itself and the helmet be positioned in a proper and comfortable manner. In addition to straps, there are also helmets that have alterable cradles that will properly position the helmet to the back area of the head. These cradles, however, will not give further protection but it will make the helmet more intact in cases of accidents.
The cycling helmet must stay properly intact in the rider’s head. To make sure it’s been fitted in the right way, the top edge of the front area of the helmet must be sitting two or three finger-widths above the eyebrows. The nylon support strap should be securely held behind the inferior jaw and it must be in contact with the throat.
It must be tight enough so that the helmet won’t move during cycling. The tightness of the strap must be tested as well. To do this, attempt to insert two fingers behind the strap. If you are unable to do so then the strap is secured enough.
Recently, there are also helmets designed for children. These newer helmets for kids have the back part of the helmet flat to prevent it from moving far forward when the child is placed in the child seat with a headrest.
According to the Snell Memorial Foundation, a non-profit organization that advocates development of high-quality standards and safety of helmets, they suggest that a helmet that has endured a considerably strong magnitude of blow should be disposed of right away. Helmets that were also involved in accidents wherein it has hit a hard façade or falls that resulted to cracks in the helmet should also be discarded.
Helmets also do have a limited lifespan. They tend to degrade and weaken as they age. The Snell Memorial Foundation suggests that helmets in use for 5 years must be replaced immediately unless the manufacturers suggest earlier disposal.