Currently, there is no obligation in Germany to wear a helmet when riding a bicycle. Again and again, however, there are public discussions whether a helmet obligation makes sense for adults and children, in order to reduce possible damage in the event of an accident or ultimately even to save lives. More than 70,000 cyclists in Germany have accidents every year. According to experts, up to 80 percent of all serious injuries to the head could be avoided in this case by wearing a helmet.
A helmet protects against injuries
Wearing a helmet can significantly reduce the risk of injury, as the helmet can minimize forces acting on the head in the event of an accident and acts as a crumple zone. Now, if a bicyclist hits the ground or, say, a vehicle or tree as a result of an accident, the chance that he or she will suffer serious head injuries is considerably less than if he or she did not wear a helmet. Nevertheless, many cyclists shy away from voluntarily wearing a helmet. The reason often given is that a helmet is not fashionable and could ruin one’s hairstyle. In recent years, however, manufacturers have shown that a bicycle helmet can look chic and trendy. In professional cycling, on the other hand, virtually no cycling race is seen without a helmet. This is due to the fact that many organizers make wearing a helmet mandatory and a prerequisite for participation in a cycling race. In contrast, children wearing helmets are seen much more often on the roads in Germany than adults. And that’s a good thing, according to experts, because beginners in particular are exposed to twice as many dangers in road traffic as adults.
Optimal fit of the helmet is crucial
Most children, by the way, have no problem at all wearing a helmet. No wonder, after all, every second child regularly wears a helmet when riding a bike, so riding without a helmet is more uncommon than the other way around. So from the children’s point of view, riding with a helmet is quite normal. The selection of helmets is now enormous for both children and adults. Various shapes, designs and colors can be selected. However, it is always very important that the helmet not only looks nice, but also really has an optimal fit. Because only if a helmet fits properly, it can also protect the head of the small or large cyclist in an emergency. For small children, helmets are suitable that enclose the head tightly and also cover the area of the temples on the head and the back of the head. For older children and adolescents, a protruding brim should also be integrated into the bicycle helmet, which can be particularly effective in frontal accidents. By the way, it is important that children remove their helmets as soon as they get off their bikes to play. Otherwise, the chin strap could get caught on a climbing frame, for example. Parents should also take their children with them when buying a bicycle helmet. In the specialty store, on the one hand, the optimal fit of the helmet can be checked, on the other hand, it is conducive if the child likes the look of his new helmet, so that this does not land a few days later unused in the corner.
Tips for buying a bicycle helmet
What should I look for when buying a helmet? The decisive factor is not necessarily the price. It depends mainly on the fit and, of course, the quality of the material. In addition, your own taste and needs then play a role in the purchase. However, a helmet should definitely have the GS mark and the test seal with the current test standard DIN EN 1078 CE. Note the following tips for buying a bicycle helmet:
- Whether a helmet fits well can be seen by whether it does not fall directly down when the head is bent down, although the closure on the chin is not closed.
- Furthermore, the chin strap should be buckled so tight that only one finger fits between the strap and the chin.
- The chin strap should have a width of 1.5 cm.
- To experience the highest possible wearing comfort with the helmet, a helmet should be equipped with ventilation holes. It is optimal if the ventilation is additionally protected by insect screens, so that no insect can get under the helmet while cycling.
Cycling with helmet can not only protect but at the same time provide good music during sports. So-called audio helmets are namely equipped on one side with headphones and matching cable for MP3 players.
When is a new helmet necessary?
Since the material can become porous due to sunlight, a helmet should be replaced after about 6 years at the latest. After each fall, a helmet must be checked carefully, because even small hairline cracks in another fall can lead to the helmet can no longer ensure its protective function. For this reason, it is also not advisable to buy used helmets.
