Bike with care & be aware: Bike Helmet tips from CSA International
Source: CSA International
With the City of Toronto’s Bike Month 2010 officially scheduled to begin on Monday, May 31, an increased number of Torontonians will be taking part in related cycling activities. While legislation in Ontario requires all bicycle riders younger than 18 to wear a certified helmet, CSA International, a leading provider of product testing and certification services, encourages cyclists of all ages to use a certified helmet for head protection at all times.
To help cyclists be safer this summer, CSA International is offering nine simple tips on what to look for in a bike helmet. Tips inside,![photo]()
1. Certification markings: Look for the certification mark of an accredited certification & testing organization such as CSA International. A CSA certification mark indicates that the helmet has been tested and certified to the requirements of Canada’s only national standard for cycling helmets.
2. Fit: Proper fit is essential for safety. Try helmets on before purchasing to make sure you pick one that fits comfortably and snugly.
![photo]()
3. Stability: When the straps and comfort pads are adjusted, the helmet should not move forward, backward or come off. It should sit level on the head and extend down to about 3-cm above the eyebrows.
![photo]()
![photo]()
4. Ventilation: Look for vents that allow heat to escape, providing coolness and perspiration control.
5. Attachment system: Front and rear straps should meet just below each ear when tightly adjusted. The chin straps should be snug without pinching.
6. Eye care: Visors provide cyclists with additional protection from the sun and rain.
![photo]()
7. Visibility: Brightly colored helmets and reflective strips make the rider more visible in traffic.
8. Replacement: Bike helmets act as shock absorbers, protecting the head by cushioning impact. The helmet is not designed for multiple impacts. Replace a helmet after it has been in a crash.
9. Reputable brands: Be wary of potentially counterfeit helmets. Tips an item may be a fake include products priced well below market value or items that have spelling mistakes, poor graphics, or missing contact information. Before selling a helmet at a garage or yard sale, please check with the manufacturer or Health Canada to see if it has been recalled; please do not sell a recalled or problematic helmet.
For more everyday consumer tips and safety advice, please visit www.csa.ca/consumers/consumer_site/
About CSA International-
CSA International is a provider of product testing and certification services for electrical, mechanical, plumbing, gas and a variety of other products. Recognized in the U.S., Canada and around the world, CSA International certification marks appear on billions of products worldwide. CSA International is a division of CSA Group, which also includes CSA Standards, a leading solutions based standards organization, providing standards development, application products, training and advisory services; and OnSpeX, a provider of consumer product evaluation, inspection and advisory services for retailers and manufacturers. For more information, visit www.csa-international.org.
With the City of Toronto’s Bike Month 2010 officially scheduled to begin on Monday, May 31, an increased number of Torontonians will be taking part in related cycling activities. While legislation in Ontario requires all bicycle riders younger than 18 to wear a certified helmet, CSA International, a leading provider of product testing and certification services, encourages cyclists of all ages to use a certified helmet for head protection at all times.
To help cyclists be safer this summer, CSA International is offering nine simple tips on what to look for in a bike helmet. Tips inside,
1. Certification markings: Look for the certification mark of an accredited certification & testing organization such as CSA International. A CSA certification mark indicates that the helmet has been tested and certified to the requirements of Canada’s only national standard for cycling helmets.
2. Fit: Proper fit is essential for safety. Try helmets on before purchasing to make sure you pick one that fits comfortably and snugly.
3. Stability: When the straps and comfort pads are adjusted, the helmet should not move forward, backward or come off. It should sit level on the head and extend down to about 3-cm above the eyebrows.
Rear vents on XC helmet
Rear vents on DOT approved Full Face helmet
4. Ventilation: Look for vents that allow heat to escape, providing coolness and perspiration control.
5. Attachment system: Front and rear straps should meet just below each ear when tightly adjusted. The chin straps should be snug without pinching.
6. Eye care: Visors provide cyclists with additional protection from the sun and rain.
7. Visibility: Brightly colored helmets and reflective strips make the rider more visible in traffic.
8. Replacement: Bike helmets act as shock absorbers, protecting the head by cushioning impact. The helmet is not designed for multiple impacts. Replace a helmet after it has been in a crash.
9. Reputable brands: Be wary of potentially counterfeit helmets. Tips an item may be a fake include products priced well below market value or items that have spelling mistakes, poor graphics, or missing contact information. Before selling a helmet at a garage or yard sale, please check with the manufacturer or Health Canada to see if it has been recalled; please do not sell a recalled or problematic helmet.
For more everyday consumer tips and safety advice, please visit www.csa.ca/consumers/consumer_site/
About CSA International-
CSA International is a provider of product testing and certification services for electrical, mechanical, plumbing, gas and a variety of other products. Recognized in the U.S., Canada and around the world, CSA International certification marks appear on billions of products worldwide. CSA International is a division of CSA Group, which also includes CSA Standards, a leading solutions based standards organization, providing standards development, application products, training and advisory services; and OnSpeX, a provider of consumer product evaluation, inspection and advisory services for retailers and manufacturers. For more information, visit www.csa-international.org.
Author Info:
Must Read This Week
Sign Up for the Pinkbike Newsletter - All the Biggest, Most Interesting Stories in your Inbox
PB Newsletter Signup
Because i can afford to replace a troy lee every time i crash !
1: I've had a few hard imapcts recently to the head so now that helmet will be a commuting one
2: My my mum made me get a fullface as I keep coming home with grazed cheeks and now a split open eyebrow.
but I miss #11:
Helmets do get old!
Its recommended to change a Helmet, thats used on a regular basis, every 3, to 4 years!
Due to UV-Rays, heat, cold weather, sweat and all that.
its an issue of choice, if you cant figure out that wearing a helmet is a good idea then thats just evolution in action
if you cant work out how to buy, wear or attach a helemt then i dont want you in the gene pool. whats the point of this article??
Which bit is useful for young /new riders ? its all common sense, even to a 5 year old