Wearing a bike helmet every time you ride your bike can save your life. It can also lower your risk of head and brain injury by 69%. It's the law in Alberta that every cyclist under 18 years of age must wear a bike helmet. This includes children in bicycle trailers or carriers.
A properly fitted helmet is the best protection for your head. Below is a checklist to help you buy and fit a bike helmet.
Buying a helmet for biking
Before buying my helmet:
- I know who I am buying the helmet for: myself or my child
- There are special helmets for children under 5 that provide more protection at the back of their heads.
- I measure around my head at eyebrow level to know what size helmet to look for.
- I decide which type of helmet I need:
- a bike helmet, since I will just use it for biking.
- a multi-sport helmet that is approved for biking, since I want a helmet I can use for biking and other activities (such as skateboarding, riding a scooter, or inline-skating).
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I will read the helmet manufacturer's guidelines and manuals to know which activities the helmet can be used for.
- I try on different styles and brands of helmets to find the best fit.
I check that the helmet is safety approved for cycling and meets safety standards such as CSA, CPSC, Snell, or ASTM.
Using my helmet
- I wear my helmet every time I ride a bike.
- I don’t wear a hat or cap between my helmet and my head.
- I treat my helmet carefully and never let it drop.
- I follow the manufacturer’s instructions for how to clean and store my helmet.
Replacing my helmet
- I replace my helmet if it's been in a crash.
- Many helmet manufacturers recommend replacing helmets after 5 years.
More about bike helmets
- The manufacturer’s instructions tell you exactly how to use and take care of a helmet.
- Bike helmets protect riders of all ages. Everyone should wear their bike helmets everytime they ride. Adults can be a positive role model and help teach children to wear their helmets too.
- Adults, youth, and children who choose their own bike helmet are more likely to wear it every time.
- Second-hand or used helmets are not recommended.
Wear a helmet for every ride. Age makes no
difference—helmets save lives!
