Why Support the Bike Helmet Safety Program?
Each year in the United States, about 800 bicyclists are killed and another 500,000 end up in hospital emergency rooms. About 2/3 of the deaths and 1/3 of the injuries involve the head and face. Wearing a helmet can reduce the risk of head injury to bicyclists by as much as 85 percent
If you would like to host a Bike Helmet event, please email policeathleticleague@buffalony.gov (with Bike Helmets in the subject line) at least 30 days prior to your event. The deadline for events held in July and August of 2023 will be June 10, 2023.
Bike Helmet Safety Program
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE COMPLETE PROGRAM GUIDE (PDF)
HOW TO FIT YOUR HELMET
A PROPERLY ADJUSTED AND CORRECTLY WORN BIKE HELMET CAN REDUCE THE CHANCES OF SERIOUS HEAD INJURIES BY 85%.
- ADJUST THE SIDE STRAPS
Adjust the straps so the helmet will stay in place. Most models have, on each side, two straps joined with a “trigIide” to form a V. The front and rear strap of each V should be snug when a triglide is positioned just below the earlobe. - ADJUST THE BUCKLE STRAP
The buckle strap should be snug beneath the chin, but not to the point that it causes discomfort or difficulty swallowing. You should feel the strap against your skin but be able to slide a finger under it. - SELECT THE RIGHT SIZING PADS
Size your helmet to your head using the right combinations of foam sizing pads.
Change and locate them as needed to make it snug without being uncomfortable.
To test the fit, shake your helmeted head from. Side to side. If the pads are properly placed, the helmet will stay in place. - POSITION THE HELMET CORRECTLY
A common mistake is to wear the helmet tipped too far back. It should be level front to rear and side-to-side. This is necessary to protect the frontal lobe of the brain. To be sure your helmet is properly positioned, look in a mirror, with your head slightly turned. - DOUBLE-CHECK THE FIT BEFORE EVERY RIDE
Double-check the adjustment of your straps every time you wear your helmet. If you care enough to buy and wear a helmet, make sure you get the most protection possible by ensuring a correct fit.
This program is in part supported by:
