Safety and Education Committee Report - Archive

How safe is your helmet?

Any helmet for sale in the United States must meet CPSC (Consumer Product Safety Commission) standards. The helmet will have a sticker denoting compliance and the year of manufacture. Recently some bicycle helmets were subject to a recall. Apparently these helmets were either uncertified or failed to meet CPSC standards. Obviously, these helmets should be replaced with one that meets current CPSC standards. If your helmet has no sticker or you question its validity contact the manufacturer or the vendor.

Unfortunately the recalled helmets are not the only helmets in use that fail current CPSC standards. Safety standards have changed and many of the older helmets cannot pass current tests. No safety equipment lasts forever and most manufacturers want their helmets removed from service after 5-6 years. In the past Bell was offering a trade-in program for their Hard Shell helmets (Bell Biker, V-1 Pro, etc), this program may still be in effect. Some people felt the “Mr. Potato Head” Lycra covered helmets could cause neck injuries because they would not slide upon impact. Helmet design has evolved and most of the newer helmets are of the micro-shell design. Any helmet is better than nothing, but generally speaking, any helmet without a micro-shell has probably reached its service limits and should be replaced.

A helmet must be correctly positioned on your head and securely fastened in order to properly function. The best helmet in the world will do little to protect you if it is improperly worn. Instructions for proper adjustment were included the helmet. If the instructions aren’t available any bike shop will gladly assist you. If you can’t see your helmet by looking up, you should get help. Older helmets can be properly adjusted (eventually) but the latest design helmets are easier to adjust and more secure. The new designs are also lighter and more comfortable. The helmet strap should not be constricting but when you open your mouth fully the helmet should move. Helmets vary tremendously in price but any helmet passing CPSC standards is safe.

Bill Fisk- Safety and Education

Safety and Education Coordinator