Riding your bicycle is a great way to stay in shape and enjoy the outdoors, but it can also be very dangerous if you do not wear the proper equipment. At TryMunity, we know that the best way to avoid traumatic brain injury is through prevention, which is why we are passionate about getting everyone to wear helmet when riding bikes. Follow these easy steps to make sure that you and your family members are wearing your helmet correctly.

Sizing

Helmets come in many different sizes based upon the head size of the wearer. Small children should wear helmets that are designed for small riders. The Bike Helmet Safety Institute offers a comprehensive list of sizes according to helmet manufacturers so that you can find the correct one for your needs. Trying on several different helmets can help you find the one that feels right. When you wear a helmet, it should fit snugly against your head.

Positioning

When you are wearing your helmet, it should be on your head in the correct position. Do not allow the helmet to slide too far forward, obstructing your vision, or too far back, becoming ineffective. When it comes to outdoor safety, your bicycle helmet should be level on your head, but low onto your forehead. You can measure where it should be with one or two finger widths.

Adjusting the Straps

The straps of your helmet should be adjusted to keep your helmet in place. The side straps should form a v shape just below and slightly in front of your ears. The chin strap should be tight enough that you can only fit one or two fingers underneath, causing the helmet to tighten down if you open your mouth wide.

When you wear a helmet, make sure that you do it correctly. Visit the TryMunity community for more information about bicycle safety and traumatic brain injury.