How to Wear a Bicycle Helmet

Bikes are fun to ride, mostly during excursions, sporting, or commuting. However, things can take a different turn if you do not adhere to safety measures. Riding along a busy highway or rough terrain such as mountainous areas, steep slopes, and all-weather roads can be challenging.

Bicycle helmets are the key to safety on the road. No one knows when the accident will strike. It is, therefore, advisable to wear one whenever you are in action.

Wearing a helmet can be challenging for some people. In this article, we shall go through the procedure of putting on the helmet and adjusting it to fit.

Please read through it for more information.

How should a bike helmet fit?

Three things to consider when wearing a bike helmet are:

  • It should sit level on your head, not to cover your eyebrows but the forehead.
  • The strap dividers should pass below the ear lobes.
  • Pull the chin strap tight enough to squeeze two fingers between the chin and the strapper.

Since our heads do not have the same shape or size, you may need to adjust the helmet to suit your skull.

How to wear a bicycle helmet

Get the best size

It is the first thing to consider when buying a helmet. Measure the size of your head to get the right product. When you go to a bike store, try as many as possible until you settle on the suitable one that fits snuggly.

Let the helmet sit straight on your head and move from one side to another. Observe its movement. If it rocks considerably, it is not the right size.

Another alternative is to use the sizing pads to fit the helmet on your head.

Get the best position

A helmet requires you to sit in a suitable position when you wear it or cycle. It means you get the optimum protection from your product. Ensure you position the helmet well, with the back and front facing the respective sides.

Sometimes, you can use your finger to measure the size of the helmet and adjust it above your eyebrows.

The pointy helmet is no exception and must also sit on the head below the forehead but above the eyebrows.

The buckles

They are part and parcel of the helmet set. The buckles keep the helmet tightly in place when moving fast as you ride.

Place the left side buckle at the center of your chin to ensure it is functioning. Pull the straps from behind to either side. It helps shorten or lengthen to fit your head size, comfort, and level.

Ensure you adjust the buckles to fit accordingly. Make gradual adjustments and measure the level of comfort as you measure it while wearing it.

The side straps

Helmets usually come pre-fitted with straps on the side to keep them firm when it is on the head. There is an option of adjusting them to a “V” shape. They have sliders for adjusting them marginally to your level of comfort. They are also necessary for providing the required tightness to hold the helmet tightly in place, even when wearing long hair.

As soon as you achieve the desired tightness, lock them firmly. Do not make them too tight or loose because it impacts the way the helmet will behave as you ride.

The chin strap

Another thing to use when using a helmet is the chin strap. Strap and tighten until it perfectly snugs. Ensure that it does not allow more than two fingers to go under it after strapping. If it is loose or tight, adjust it accordingly.

The final fitting

Conduct some final checks to ensure the helmet fits your head as desired. Here are the things to perform to ensure it works well:

  • Open the mouth to maximum, yawn widely, and see if the helmet drags down on the head. Make the chain strap tight if it does not pull.
  • It should not allow two or more fingers above the eyebrows. If it happens so, unbuckle to adjust the front part. Move the slider to the front to make it tight, and test the helmet again.
  • If the helmet rocks forwards toward the eyebrows, it poses the danger of blocking your sight. To avoid this, remove the gear to adjust the strap, then move the slider backward.
  • Roll the rubber band down to the buck and test it. Ensure that all straps are adjacent to the rubber band to inhibit the gear from sliding away, as is the case sometimes when riding. If the helmet is still loose, make further adjustments until you attain the desired tightness.

Note:

A bike’s helmet has an expiry date! As you use to continue using it, the parts also wear out. It is advisable to replace it occasionally to protect you when an accident occurs.

A worn-out helmet can also harm you instead of protect you since the sponge and straps get loose with time.

Things to avoid when wearing a bike helmet

wearing a bike helmet

Do not wear the helmet towards the far back of the head

It shouldn’t expose your forehead. Make sure that it levels on your head so that it does not move forwards and backward.

Do not wear the wrong size helmet

Avoid buying a helmet that is either small or big. If it doesn’t fit you as expected, you will not feel comfortable wearing it.

It will also not sit well on the head, hence not protecting you in case of an accident.

Avoid wearing anything under the helmet

Items such as caps, hats, and other forms of clothing should not be under the helmet. They might compromise the gear’s fit and minimize its functionality.

The helmet should sit directly on your head without any garment between it and the head. If it moves while riding, it may hinder your sight leading to accidents. The rider and the bike would all be at risk.

Anything you wear under the helmet does not only compromise on safety but also comfort. It can strain you when riding and make you feel unwell because of compressions and lack of breathing space.

Conclusion

A bike’s helmet is an essential tool when riding. Every rider should have one or two in their possession.

Many people have no idea how to wear a bicycle helmet. The article takes you through a step-by-step procedure to put it on and also things to avoid when wearing one.

Learn more about this topic by going through the document. You can also share it with family and friends for reference.

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