Gsgshs PDF

Fitting Your
Bike Helmet Buy it. Fit it. Wear it.

EVERY RIDE!
The Proper Helmet Fit
Helmets come in various sizes, just like hats. Size
can vary between manufacturers. Follow the steps
to fit a helmet properly. It may take time to ensure a
Size: proper helmet fit, but your life is worth it. It’s usually
Measure your head to find your easier to look in the mirror or have someone else
adjust the straps. For the most comprehensive list
STEP 1 size. Try on several helmets in
your size until one feels right. of helmet sizes according to manufacturers, go the
Now put the helmet level on your Bicycle Helmet Safety Institute (BHSI) Web site at:
head and adjust the sizing pads www.bhsi.org/.
or fit ring until the helmet is snug.
STEP 2 STEP 5
Position: Chin Strap:
The helmet should sit level on your Buckle your chin strap. Tighten the strap
head and low on your forehead— until it is snug, so that no more than one
one or two finger-widths above or two fingers fit under the strap.
your eyebrow.
STEP 3 STEP 6
Side Straps:
Adjust the slider on both straps
Final Fitting:
to form a “V” shape under, and A. Does your helmet fit right? Open
slightly in front of, the ears. Lock your mouth wide…big yawn! The helmet
the slider if possible. should pull down on your head. If not, refer
back to step 5 and tighten the chin strap.
B. Does your helmet rock back more than two fingers

above the eyebrows? If so, unbuckle and shorten the
STEP 4 Buckles:
front strap by moving the slider forward. Buckle and
retighten the chin strap, and test again.
Center the left buckle under the
chin. On most helmets, the straps
C. Does your helmet rock forward into your eyes? If so,
unbuckle and tighten the back strap by moving the
can be pulled from the back of the
slider back toward the ear. Buckle and retighten the
helmet to lengthen or shorten the
chin strap, and test again.
chin straps. This task is easier if
you take the helmet off to make D. Roll the rubber band down to the buckle. All four straps
these adjustments. must go through the rubber band and be close to the
buckle to prevent the buckle from slipping.
Replace a Helmet.
Replace your helmet when it has been in a crash; damage
is not always visible.
Buy/Fit the Helmet For Now.

Buy a helmet that fits your head now, not a helmet to
“grow into.”
Ensure Helmet Comfort.

If you buy a helmet that you find comfortable and
attractive, you are more likely to wear it. Readjust as
necessary to ensure the helmet fits properly each ride.
Cover Your Forehead.

Adjust the helmet fitting based on your helmet first being side
in the correct position, level on the head and low on your strap side
forehead. strap
Adjust Straps Until Snug.
Both the side and chin straps need to be snug. chin strap
Avoid Helmet Rocking. chin strap
Your helmet should not rock forward or backward, or
side to side on your head. buckle
If your helmet rocks more than an inch, go back to step buckle
6, and readjust.
Be a “Roll” Model for Safe Behavior Helmet Laws

Everyone — adult and child — should wear a bicycle More children ages 5-14 go to emergency rooms for bicycle-related
helmet each time they ride. Wearing a helmet each ride injuries than with any other sport; many are head injuries. As a
can encourage the same smart behavior in others. result, many States and local jurisdictions have child bicycle helmet
laws to increase and better ensure the safety of children when
Helmet Certification bicycling. See: www.helmets.org/mandator.htm.
Bicycle helmets sold in the U.S. must meet the standards Like car crashes, bicycle crashes can happen at any time, involving
issued by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission not only children, but adults, many of whom are skilled riders. In
(CPSC). Look for the certification label inside the helmet. fact, middle-age adults represent the average age of bicycle riders
killed and injured.
Helmets are the single most effective piece of safety equipment for
riders of all ages, if you crash. Everyone should choose to wear a
helmet; it just makes sense!
For more information on

bicycle safety, visit the National
Highway Traffic Safety
Administration Web site at:
www.nhtsa.dot.gov/bicycles
DOT HS 811 568
April 2012
8019-050212-v2

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Fitting Your

Bike Helmet Buy it. Fit it. Wear it.

B. Does your helmet rock back more than two fingers

Buy/Fit the Helmet For Now.

Ensure Helmet Comfort.

Cover Your Forehead.

Be a “Roll” Model for Safe Behavior Helmet Laws

For more information on

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