Home

Cycle helmets

Why wear a helmet?

Cycle helmets have great potential for reducing bicycle-related head injuries and death. Properly worn, they have been shown to reduce the risk of brain injury to riders of all ages.

Wearing a helmet is the best way to protect your brain if you fall from your bicycle. 

Buying a Helmet

Only buy a helmet that has a CE mark and meets one of these standards:

  • BS EN 1078 (European Standard)
  • SNELL certified (B.95)

Try on a number of helmets to find the right one for you. It needs to be comfortable and fit securely. There should be no space between your head and the inside of the helmet. Remember all of us have different shaped heads so you need to find the one that fits you best.

Measure the head using a tape measure around the widest part of the head, just above the eyebrows and the ears, as shown in the diagram. Select your helmet based on the number of centimetres.

Take care of your helmet

Treat your helmet with care and it will care for you. If you damage your helmet or have an impact, you will need to replace it. Look for visible damage and feel for cracks, dents or scuffs in the polystyrene. Check the straps for fraying or tears. If unsure, seek advice from the manufacturer.

Wearing your cycle helmet

  • The cycle helmet should sit squarely on the head.
  • It should fit on the forehead, just above the eyebrows and should not be tilted backwards or forwards.
  • Front and back straps should meet just below the ears.
  • The cycle helmet must not restrict the rider's vision.
  • Check the two finger rule. You should only be able to fit two fingers between the strap and your chin.
  • The cycle helmet should fit comfortably and remain securely on the head when shaken.

Bicycle helmets reduce risk of serious head injury by nearly 70%, study finds

A major study of bike helmet use around the world has found helmets reduce the risks of a serious head injury by nearly 70%, in the event of a collision. The study also found neck injuries are not associated with helmet use and cyclists who wear helmets reduce their chance of a fatal head injury by 65%.

Find out more about the study at Wearing a bike helmet reduces risk of serious head injury by 70%, says studfy | Metro News