Wearing a brightly colored bicycle helmet helps drivers see you at night.
More bicyclists than ever now wear bicycle helmets when riding. A 2006 study in Nottingham, UK, revealed that children and young people seem to respond better to non-legislative programs on the importance of wearing bicycle helmets rather than government-enforced helmet laws. Several reasons exist for wearing bicycle helmets. In 2008, 91 percent of bicyclists that died were reportedly not wearing helmets, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation's Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS).
Prevent Head Injury
The number one reason to wear a bicycle helmet is to protect your head and survive a bicycle accident. The helmet will take the brunt of the force instead of your head if it hits the pavement or a vehicle. You can reduce the risk of head injury by 85 percent when you ride wearing a bike helmet, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). When purchasing a bicycle helmet, make certain it has a seal of approval from an organization like the CPSC.
Obey Laws
As of May, 2010, the U.S. does not have laws requiring you to wear a bicycle helmet. However, some states and cities began their own helmet laws in 1987. In 2010, 22 state bicycle helmet laws exist, as well as about 196 local laws.
Some people still see wearing a bicycle helmet as a sports fashion statement, rather than a necessity for safety, claims the Bicycle Helmet Safety Institute. However, that organization views wearing a bicycle helmet as just as vital as motorcyclists wearing a helmet or passengers in a car using seat belts.
Be Visible
Wearing a bicycle helmet allows drivers of vehicles to see you, especially at night. Choose a white helmet or one in bright colors. You can also find bicycle helmets with lights, allowing you to see the road better at night and enabling other drivers to see you.
Participate in Other Sports
You can wear bicycle helmets approved by the CPSC or the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) for other sports such as ice skating and sledding. These sports do not have their own individual helmets, but approved bicycle helmets will protect more than one moderate impact.
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