Bike Helmets

Headed for the Proper Fit Right from the Start

The National SAFE KIDS Campaign and Bell Sports want kids to be safe while riding bicycles or participating in wheeled activities. With more than 27 million children 5 to 14 riding bicycles, helmet use and the lack of it continues to be an important public health issue. In a study conducted by the two organizations, data indicates fewer than half (41 percent) of kids ages 5 to 14 wear helmets when participating in wheeled activities, and more than a third (35 percent) of children who use helmets wear them improperly.

Unlike some clothing and gear, which can be bought large and grown into, bike helmets must fit from the start. Helmets that slip to the front, back or side of the head expose parts of the skull, while extremely loose or unbuckled straps can allow the helmet to completely fall off the head in an accident. Helmets are only effective when they fit properly. Your child is also more likely to wear a helmet if it fits comfortably and looks cool.

“We want kids to be safe and have fun while bike-riding or participating in other wheeled activities,” says Dr. Martin Eichelberger, director of Emergency Trauma Services at Children's National Medical Center in Washington, D.C. and CEO of the National SAFE KIDS Campaign. “But all it takes is one fall to cause a serious head injury, and we know that helmets are the single most cost-effective way to reduce brain injury should a child have a bike accident.”

As part of an ongoing effort to promote bicycle helmet use and bicycle safety, the National SAFE KIDS Campaign and Bell Sports encourage parents to learn – and then teach their children – the “Eyes, Ears & Mouth” checklist to ensure proper fit.

Eyes: The rim of the helmet should be one to two finger-widths above the eyebrows.
Ears: The straps should form a “V” just beneath the ear lobe.
Mouth: The buckle should be flush against the skin under the chin; when the rider opens his mouth, he should feel the strap snug on the chin and the helmet hugging the head.

And remember, to be effective, a helmet must meet safety standards and be worn correctly every time your child rides a bicycle.