September 14, 2023 – Ride Essentials: Helmets

Wearing a helmet while cycling seems to be a contentious subject, especially for those who are not hardcore cyclists. This appears to be a problematic area for people who also ride motorcycles, although it seems to me that a motorcycle accident where the rider isn’t wearing a helmet would mean certain death.

While rare, I have seen road bicyclists happily cruising down the road without wearing a helmet. But they also weren’t wearing cycling-specific clothing or cycling shoes. Whatever their reasons might be for not using any of the gear used by hardcore roadies, I see that as a risky scenario. To me, wearing a helmet is definitely a ride essential, and I say that because a helmet saved my life when I had a serious crash.

Basic Views on Bicycle Helmet Usage

Although the factual evidence about the use of cycling helmets is well documented, many casual cyclists still refuse to wear a helmet. The reasons for this could be many things. It could be the cost of a helmet, how it feels when wearing it, or how it seems to make you sweat more on a hot summer day.

I would agree with many of the points mentioned above. Helmets can definitely be cost-prohibitive, especially when they can be $250.00 or more. They can also be uncomfortable and hot to wear, not to mention that anyone who wears a cycling helmet looks a bit odd. I’m a pretty hardcore roadie and I definitely feel that. Still, despite all these viewpoints, statistics and personal experience persuade me otherwise.

Statistics Support Bicycle Helmets

In all three cases mentioned above, I would argue for a high-quality helmet versus one you might buy at your local sporting goods store. These helmets are usually cheaply made, don’t have many vents, are mass-produced, and are heavy or lack enough padding. Safety is really a secondary concern versus keeping costs low, especially for the casual bike rider.

Will a low-cost helmet save your life if you are in a serious crash? That’s hard to say, although I’m sure it will offer you some protection versus not wearing one at all. However, if you need convincing about whether you should use a helmet while cycling, the statistics overwhelmingly show you definitely should. A study done by the federal Department of Transportation shows the following.

• Bicycle helmets reduce serious head injury by 85% to 88%.
• While this fact is well-documented, only 18% of cyclists wear helmets.
• Only the true enforcement of laws around the use of cycling helmets is the only way more people will wear them.

What Elements Should You Look for in a Cycling Helmet?

If you are already a cyclist and you’ve done your research on various brands, then you probably already know what to look for in a quality cycling helmet. However, even that knowledge can still be misleading. Helmet manufacturers will claim a million things about why their helmet is best. As stupid as it sounds, let common sense intervene.

What you want in a helmet, ideally, is one that has lots of vents and good padding for comfort, a BOA dial system for fit, an easily adjustable chin strap, and MIPS built-in. These four elements point to a good helmet.

What is MIPS? It’s an acronym for “Multi-directional Impact Protection System,” [which] is a low-friction layer located between the EPS and inner helmet liner that reduces rotational impact forces. This helps protect your brain from concussion and trauma,” according to the road.cc website.

I tried on my Kask helmet at a local bike shop and fell in love with the safety features, breathability, padding, and comfort. The cost was definitely excessive. But if you are a serious cyclist and you love the sport, whatever costs you experience will be paid back after a season of riding where you feel secure that your brain will be protected in an accident.

Last Thoughts

While wearing a helmet for cycling may not be the most overly comfortable thing, it is a wise investment. Like many things in life, it is something to wear in a “what if” scenario. If you crash, you can feel somewhat secure if you land on your head you’ll be protected.

Going cheap on a sporting goods helmet or one from Walmart or Target, I wouldn’t advise. Spend the extra money and feel confident, comfortable, and safe.