There’s no getting around it: If you want to be safe on a ride, you’re going to need a bike helmet. But helmets – meant to cushion blows from sudden impact, preventing catastrophic brain injury – only provide protection when worn correctly.
To get the most out of your helmet, follow the tips in this video from our American sister title Bicycling, outlined by writer Brian Fiske.
1. Look in a mirror. Your helmet should sit level on your head, and the front of the helmet should cover most of your forehead. If the helmet tilts back and exposes your forehead, it’s not going to protect you.
2. Connect the chin strap, and tighten it so that it’s snug beneath your chin. You should barely be able to fit a finger between the strap and your chin. Adjust the side straps so that the point of the V sits just below your ears.
3. Push the helmet back on your head. Can you move the helmet more than an inch? If so, tighten the straps in front of your ears (loosen the rear straps so that the V points still sit just below your ears). If you can push the helmet forward, adjust the straps behind your ears. In the end, you shouldn’t be able to move the helmet more than an inch in any direction.
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