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Child Safety

Take the bike helmet YES Test: How to properly fit a helmet for biking

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).

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.

Fitting my helmet

I make sure the helmet is level from front to back when I put it on.

I check that the front edge of the helmet sits 1 to 2 finger-widths above my eyebrows.

I add or remove sizing pads or adjust the ring fit system to make the helmet fits snugly.

If I wear a religious head covering, I adjust my helmet's fit to be sure it doesn't move around when worn on top of the fabric.
I adjust the straps to form a “V” just below and in front of my earlobes.

I fasten the chinstrap.
I adjusted the chinstrap so that there's only 1 finger-width between my chin and the chinstrap.

I fit the helmet tighter if it moves when I nod or shake my head.

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!

Current as of: January 8, 2025

Author: Provincial Injury Prevention, Alberta Health Services

This material is not a substitute for the advice of a qualified health professional. This material is intended for general information only and is provided on an "as is", "where is" basis. Although reasonable efforts were made to confirm the accuracy of the information, Alberta Health Services does not make any representation or warranty, express, implied or statutory, as to the accuracy, reliability, completeness, applicability or fitness for a particular purpose of such information. Alberta Health Services expressly disclaims all liability for the use of these materials, and for any claims, actions, demands or suits arising from such use.

Child Safety

Take the bike helmet YES Test: How to properly fit a helmet for biking

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).

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.

Fitting my helmet

I make sure the helmet is level from front to back when I put it on.

I check that the front edge of the helmet sits 1 to 2 finger-widths above my eyebrows.

I add or remove sizing pads or adjust the ring fit system to make the helmet fits snugly.

If I wear a religious head covering, I adjust my helmet's fit to be sure it doesn't move around when worn on top of the fabric.
I adjust the straps to form a “V” just below and in front of my earlobes.

I fasten the chinstrap.
I adjusted the chinstrap so that there's only 1 finger-width between my chin and the chinstrap.

I fit the helmet tighter if it moves when I nod or shake my head.

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!

Current as of: January 8, 2025

Author: Provincial Injury Prevention, Alberta Health Services

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