How to Fit a Bicycle Helmet

Bicycle helmets are up to 88 percent effective at preventing head and brain injuries in the event of a bike crash, according to the National Highway Safety Administration. Helmets are mandated by law in many states and are considered the No. 1 piece of safety equipment for bicycling. Helmets cannot truly protect you unless they are properly fitted. Get the correct size helmet to ensure that your safety.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Step 1

Place the helmet on your head. Use the adjustment system on the specific helmet, such as a control knob in back, to tighten the helmet to better fit your head.

Step 2

Align the chin clip straps so that the sides of the strap triangle rest on either side of the ear. The apex of the triangle should rest just below and in front of the ear.

Step 3

Adjust the clips so the chin clip secures in the middle of your chin. The straps should be tight enough that you can only fit a finger or two between the strap and your chin.

Step 4

Open your mouth wide. You should feel the helmet pull down on your head. If it doesn't, tighten the chin straps further.

Step 5

Determine if the helmet fits your head correctly. It should touch your head all the way around and sit snugly. The top of the helmet should be about an inch or so over your eyebrows and should be level. Shake your head and make sure it stays in place and doesn't wobble around and separate from your head. Try moving it with your hands; the skin on your forehead should move with the helmet.

Step 6

Verify that the helmet stays snug on your head. Try gently pushing up on the visor or front of the helmet. The helmet shouldn't tilt back on your head more than an inch. If it does, try tightening the front chin strap and repeating. Also push up on the back of the helmet and ensure it doesn't slide up. Tighten the back of the chin strap if it does.

Step 7

Try another helmet if you can't get the first one to fit properly. Trying a second helmet will also give you a comparison.

Tips & Warnings

Don't purchase a helmet with "growing room." Replace your helmet if it is damaged or involved in an incident.

Don't purchase a helmet with "growing room."

Replace your helmet if it is damaged or involved in an incident.

Article Written By Joe Fletcher

Joe Fletcher has been a writer since 2002, starting his career in politics and legislation. He has written travel and outdoor recreation articles for a variety of print and online publications, including "Rocky Mountain Magazine" and "Bomb Snow." He received a Bachelor of Arts in political science from Rutgers College.

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