Your checklist for choosing a BICYCLE HELMET

If you’re part of the growing tribe who prefer two wheels to four and you’re in the market for a bike helmet, here’s what to look for…

In recent years, cycling has seen a surge in popularity across the UK, and 2020 was no exception. At the peak of lockdown, there were three times more people cycling than there were a year previously, and more than double the number of women now cycle regularly compared with 2013**. If you’ve recently taken to two wheels or have returned to cycling and you choose to wear a cycling helmet, there are a few rules of thumb you should follow to make sure you get the most protection from it…

✔ DO ensure you have a gap of no more than two fingers between your chin and the chin strap.

✔ DO make sure the helmet sits just above your eyebrows. If it’s pushed up to leave your forehead exposed or otherwise worn incorrectly, you’ll get less protection.

✔ DO replace your helmet if you have a bad knock. Helmets are designed for single incidents and become unsafe after they’ve been hit. Some high-end helmet manufacturers offer discounts on a new helmet if you’ve damaged or are replacing yours.

✘ DON’T use the old helmet that has been knocking around at the back of a cupboard for the past decade. Helmets have a limited shelf life of typically three to four years of use before their safety benefits begin to degrade. If you buy a new one, you’re likely to get the latest safety technology advances.

✘ DON’T forget about comfort. Different helmets are designed for different types of cycling. Road cycling helmets tend to have more vents, which will help to keep your head cool, particularly when the weather warms up in the summer months. In the winter, you can wear a light cap or a thin scarf underneath, if needed.

✔ DO get a helmet fitted, if you can. ‘When you have an in-store fitting, not only can you try on different sizes and find one that fits, but you’ll also get advice on how to wear it correctly,’ says Sam Jones from Cycling UK. ‘While you might be able to find a cheaper price online, a bike helmet is a piece of safety equipment so it’s worth paying a few extra pounds to ensure you’re buying something that fits correctly.’