Things You Didn’t Know About Bike Helmets

If you are a bicycle enthusiast, or even a casual rider, you’ve likely heard all about the importance of wearing a helmet while riding. Bike helmets are extremely beneficial to all bicycle riders due to the safety they provide against fall impacts to the head and face. Biking can be a dangerous sport, especially on high-traffic roads, and a bike helmet in Naples, FL is an absolute necessity.

That being said, there are many things the average bike rider does not know about bike helmets, like how they came to be or how they are tested for safety. Since helmets are such a large part of biking, we’ve compiled a list of interesting things you probably didn’t know about bike helmets:

• They’re really effective: Many people have heard that bike helmets are effective in preventing injuries, but don’t actually know exactly how effective they are. In fact, bike helmets have been found to reduce the risk of head injuries by 88 percent and reduce the risk of facial injuries by 65 percent. This makes helmets the single most effective way to reduce injuries in bike crashes.
• Their origin: Bike helmets weren’t introduced to the bicycle-riding public until 1975, when Bell Sports sold their polystyrene helmets in the U.S. This makes bike helmets just over 40 years old!
• Low-priced helmets are still effective: You may think that you need to spring for an expensive bike helmet to stay safe, but studies actually suggest that this isn’t necessary. Low-priced helmets have been found to be just as effective as high-priced ones as long as they meet federal standards. Higher-priced helmets mainly offer a better fit and more ventilation.
• When you should replace a bike helmet: Bike helmets are not good for forever! In fact, since materials tend to degrade over time, it is recommended that you replace your helmet every 5 to 7 years. Additionally, helmets are not good after a major fall. The foam inside can compact and may not perform as well after initial falls, so you should replace your helmet after it’s already saved you from injuries once.
• How helmets are tested: In order to meet federal standards, helmets need to be tested and approved by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). Bike helmet testing includes impact resistance and strap durability in a variety of conditions such as hot, cold, wet and room temperature. Before you buy a helmet, look for the CPSC sticker.
• Not all types of helmets are equal: Some consumers think that helmets made for bicycles are the same as those made for other sports such as motocross or skateboarding. While these helmets may have some similarities, they are each regulated, manufactured and tested for injury reduction in those specific sports. Only bicycle helmets should be worn while riding a bicycle.

If you’re in need of a new bike helmet in Naples, FL, stop by Big Momma’s Bicycles! For over 10 years, our full-service bicycle shop has offered bike sales and rentals, bike accessories and critical repair and tune-up services to riders of all levels. Visit us today!

Categorised in: Bike Helmet