What Are Cycling Helmets For?

Posted by daviddon on August 1st, 2015

Cycling helmets are devices that are made for the specific purpose of providing safety and protection to the user's skull during bicycle riding. They are specifically designed and structured using strong materials that will counter the strong impact created between the head and any hard surface. Cycling helmets more recently have been designed to provide comfort by developing ways of making it more lightweight. They are also made to lessen its impedance from the cycler's peripheral vision.
More recently, results of one study suggest that although a great number of people wear cycling helmets, a very big percentage of helmets don't properly fit the wearer's head which can provide greater risks. Children and adolescents ranging from ages 4 to 18 don't wear their helmets properly. The fitting and care aspect of cycling helmets are very important in providing a safer experience during riding but much of this aspect is not being regarded well enough by individuals.
A lot of manufacturers that create these cycling helmets offer their consumers with varying sizes that fit specifically for children and adults. These variations in sizes are further categorized to small, medium and large. The right way of fitting is very important and there are ways or steps that can ensure proper fit. In case a helmet doesn't fit the wearer's head, this can be modified by placement of foam pads that have different thickness.
A nylon strap must be securely fitted around the head to keep the helmet in place while providing comfort and security to the wearer. Individuals may also make use of helmets with nylon straps that have several adjustable points which will further allow the helmet to be fitted much better. There are also helmets that have adjustable cradles which will allow proper positioning of the helmet at the head's occiput but will not provide further protection.
There are ways to make sure a helmet is fitted well. The front tip of the helmet should be a couple of fingerbreadths away from the eyebrows. Make sure the nylon strap is in place at the back of the lower jaw. The strap must be touching the throat as well but not too tight. To ensure that the right amount of tightness is used, two fingers should not be able to enter behind the strap.
A non-profit organization, Snell Memorial Foundation, that raises awareness on proper helmet use and advocates increased standards in helmet production suggest that helmets that endured accidents with hard blows must be disposed right away. If a helmet reaches five years or as suggested by the manufacturers, it must be disposed as well also.
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