| Helmets are one of the most important pieces of | | | | wearing one, and they also have many large vents to |
| cycling safety gear that you can buy. Head injuries are | | | | let plenty of air in. |
| one of the most common ways for cyclists to suffer | | | | One other thing to be aware of is that it is important |
| serious injuries on the road, but wearing a helmet will | | | | that you get a correctly fitting helmet and that you |
| certainly protect your head in many types of collisions. | | | | position it properly on your head. For example, a |
| In fact, the safety advantages of wearing a helmet | | | | common mistake is to position the helmet too far back |
| are so great that in many countries it is now been | | | | on the rider's head - and if you do this and get into a |
| made a legal requirement to wear one when cycling. | | | | collision, the helmet will simply get pushed off the back |
| Regardless of any legal requirements, one thing that is | | | | of your head without actually protecting you. You |
| for sure is that children should always wear a helmet | | | | should also make sure that the straps are securely |
| when cycling. This is because they are more prone to | | | | fastened with equal tension in each of the straps - |
| more inexperienced decisions (and hence more likely | | | | sufficient tension that if you open your mouth you |
| to have an accident), and have softer skulls (and | | | | should be able to feel the helmet pressing down on to |
| hence need head protection more). | | | | the top of your head. |
| In the past, many people didn't wear helmets because | | | | Once you've had your helmet for a while, it may start |
| they felt they were heavy, sweaty and uncomfortable. | | | | to get a little smelly. That's not a problem however as |
| However, with modern helmets these should no longer | | | | the pads inside the helmet are generally secured by |
| be issues. Modern helmets are ergonomicaly designed | | | | velcro, so can be detached, and either put in the |
| and so light that you will be hardly aware that you are | | | | washing machine or replaced with new pads. |