Riding Safely With A Cycle Helmet
Bicycle helmets were traditionally used only by sports cyclists, like racers and mountain bikers. Utility cyclists who used the bicycle for transport generally did not use helmets.
Bike Helmets – The Beginning
After bicycles regained popularity among adults in the 1970s, the use of a cycle helmet became widespread in the US. Among the first helmets was one from a mountaineering gear manufacturer, MSR. Another was from Bell Sports, who at that time manufactured safety gear for motor vehicle riders.
Bike Helmet Construction and Standards
Bicycle helmets are mostly lightweight and have a lot of openings for ventilation purposes. This is because cycling involves intense physical activity that can result in an increase in body temperature.
Initially, there were not many standards governing cycle helmet design. However, helmet manufacturers such as Bell adopted and changed motorbike safety standards to suit bicycle helmets.
Bell came up with the first polysterine foam helmet, the V1-Pro, in 1983. This was mainly intended for use by sport cyclists. In 1984, Bell introduced a helmet for children. The early bicycle helmets did not have much ventilation.
In 1985, The Snell Memorial Foundation, a non-profit organization in the US, came up with the first standard for bike helmets, the Snell B85. These standards later underwent revisions and two other standards were introduced, the B90 and B95. The Snell standard gained wide acceptance for a while and most manufacturers used it.
Later, though, each country began to issue its own nationalized standards. By the 1990s, thin shells began to replace hard shells as these allowed for more ventilation. Later developments in fitting systems allowed for precise adjustments and fit to the wearer’s head.
Choosing A Bicycle Helmet
When shopping for a cycle helmet, the main features to look for are correct fit and optimal ventilation. Ideally, the bike helmet should cover most of the back of the wearer’s head and cover almost half of the forehead. The helmet strap should form a v-shape around the ears and fit closely under the chin.
Trying on different helmets at a sports-wear shop till you find the right fit is the best way to buy a helmet. Beside the fit, look for good ventilation. There should be enough vents, but these should be designed so that they do not expose large areas of the head.
There are raging arguments about the actual safety that is provided by the bike helmet. However, wearing a helmet is always better than risking a direct injury to the head.
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