by promoting safer cycling and, in particular, the use of cycle helmets
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
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| How do I fit a child's helmet correctly? |
| Ensure the helmet is the correct size. It should fit
snugly and be comfortable to wear. When the child shakes or nods
their head the helmet should remain secure. The helmet rim should
sit on the forehead, just above the eyebrows. The helmet should NOT
be tilted back leaving the forehead exposed or tipped so far forward
it cover the eyes and obstructs the child's ability to see. The straps
must not be twisted and there should be no slack in them. Most helmet
straps form a 'V' shape just under the ear lobe. Ensure the helmet
does not affect the child's ability to hear. Listening is an important
part of cycling safety.
Always check the manufacturers' instructions on fitting advice. |
| At what age should children start to wear a helmet? |
As soon as they start riding a bike or sitting in a bike seat. This is not usually before 9 months when a child has solid head control. |
| How often should I change a child's helmet? |
You must replace a helmet if it is damaged in anyway as the structure of the helmet will be compromised. Check a child's helmet on a regular basis and replace it as the child grows. |
| What protection does a helmet offer? |
Helmets have been proven to absorb some of the energy force that causes head/brain injury. They add another layer of protection in addition to the skull. |
| What else can I do to protect children whilst cycling? |
Cycle training, wearing reflector strips/jacket, lights on the back and front of the bike, ensure their bike is roadworthy, be a role model, cycle as a family and don't let them listen to an ipod whilst cycling. |
| Do children need to wear a helmet when they are cycling off-road for example in the park or the garden as well as on the road? |
Yes! Accidents can happen anywhere at any time. Every time child gets on a bike he/she should wear a helmet so it becomes the norm. |
| What should I do if a child falls off his/her bike and the helmet gets dented or scraped? |
You must replace it. |
| What is the difference between a helmet that costs £7.50 and one that costs £60? Is it worth paying so much more for a helmet? |
The most important thing is that a child likes the helmet and wants to wear it. The helmet that costs £7.50 has to meet the same safety standards as the one that costs £60. However, there is no point buying a helmet your child doesn't like or won't wear. |
| What safety standard should I look for on a helmet? Are some standards better than others? |
Helmets sold in the UK must have the CE BSEN1078 standard. All the safety standards are rigorous. |
| How do I measure a child's head for a cycle helmet? |
Wrap a tape measure around the child's head just above the eyebrows and read the measurement in centimetres. |
| Once a child has learnt to ride his/her bike and stops falling off does he/she still need to wear a helmet? |
Yes! Everyone, even adults, can fall off their bike at anytime so it is important to wear a helmet at all times. |
| Does a BMX-style of helmet offer as much protection as a traditional vented helmet? |
Yes. BMX-style helmets have to meet the same safety standards as more traditional style helmets. If a child wants to wear a BMX style helmet and it fits that should be the one you buy |
| My child refuses to wear a cycle helmet but I want him/her to continue cycling because it's good for their health. What should I do? |
Children are not required by law to wear a helmet so it is very difficult to make your child wear a helmet. However, you can strongly recommend they wear one and discuss with them the risks they face by not wearing a helmet. Remember to set a good example by wearing a helmet yourself. |
| If a child wants to wear his/her helmet but is worried about being teased at school what should I do? |
Discuss with the school the possibility of inviting a local road safety officer, local police officer or BHIT representative to talk to the pupils about cycling safety and wearing a helmet. Talk to other parents so that your child won't be the only one wearing a helmet. |
| Should adults wear helmets too? |
Yes! Adults can have accidents too and you should be a role model for children. Your brain is just as important as a child's! |
| Where can I buy a cycle helmet? |
Most bicycle retailers sell helmets as do some of the larger toy stores. |
| Is it true that helmets can cause rotational injuries? |
No. In a recent report: The Potential for Cycle Helmets to Prevent Injury - A Review of Evidence - carried out by the Transport Research Laboratory and released in December 2009, no evidence was found to support the theory that helmets can increase the risk of rotational head injury. |
| I am worried that my child will take more risks if he/she wears a helmet. |
There is no evidence either way to support this theory. |
| My child has a particularly small/large head. Where can I get a helmet to fit him/her? |
There are occasions when it can be difficult to find the right sized helmet for your child but do check with your nearest helmet stockist and they may be able to help you. Alternative contact The Bicycle Helmet Initiative Trust and we may be able to help. |
| Where can I get more information about helmets from? |
Please see the links on this website. |
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Winners of the 2009 European Road Safety Award |
The Bicycle Helmet
Initiative Trust,
71 Milford Road,
Reading,
Berkshire
RG1 8LG.
t: 0118 958 3585
e: BHIT@dial.pipex.com
© copyright The Bicycle Helmet Initiative Trust 2011
