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I’ve been cycling since I was a child. I attended a school club in elementary school where we learned about traffic regulations, practiced bike riding skills, first aid, etc. In one of the first classes, we also learned to wear a bicycle helmet properly.
You’d probably be surprised how many cyclists I meet with an improperly worn helmet. That’s why I wrote this simple guide to educate people who are just starting with cycling.
KEY TAKEAWAY
When wearing a bike helmet, make sure it fits you properly. Avoid tilting it back, not adjusting the dial or strap, or even worse, wearing it back to front. Not only will you look silly, but it won’t protect your head as it should. Continue reading for more detailed instructions.
Buy the Right Bicycle Helmet
You must buy the right bicycle helmet to wear it properly. If the helmet is too small or too big, it won’t fit you.
So, before you buy a new bike helmet, you should ensure it is the right type and size.
Choose the type of helmet depending on your preferred riding style (road cycling helmet, MTB helmet, commuter helmet, etc.).
Regarding fit, the helmet should feel just right even without a tightened adjustment dial and chin strap.
I wrote a fully dedicated guide on How to choose a bicycle helmet, where you learn everything you need to know regarding bike helmet types and how to choose the right size.
Follow These Tips to Ensure You Wear it Properly
Let’s assume you bought a helmet that fits you. Now, how should you wear it?
Here are the official recommendations by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration:
- Two finger-width should be between your eyebrow and the helmet.
- The side straps should form a “V” shape under and slightly in front of your ears.
- The buckle should be centered under your chin, and it should be tight enough so you don’t snug 1 or 2 fingers underneath it.
Avoid These 3 Mistakes
Please avoid these common mistakes when wearing a helmet.
Mistake #1: Your Helmet is Tilted Back
One of the most common mistakes I see on roads is that cyclists have their helmets tilted back.
Unfortunately, this is very common among children. This is a big no-no because the exposed forehead increases the chance of an injury.
Remember the two-finger rule described above.
Mistake #2: You Don’t Adjust the Rear Dial or Strap
The rear dial and chin strap are usually adjustable. They help improve fit and comfort.
Some helmets, like the Kask Protone, provide more flexibility when adjusting the circumference.
Don’t also forget to adjust the strap. It shouldn’t be too loose (otherwise, the helmet may fall off your head during an accident) or too tightened (it may strangle you).
Mistake #3: You Wear the Helmet Back to Front
Yes, I’m not kidding. Some people wear their helmets backward. This is the biggest issue you can do.
Most helmets have the adjustment dial on the back, so it is easy to recognize how you should wear them.
Summary
The first step is to buy the right helmet. Choose a helmet type based on your preferred riding style (commuting, MTB, road, etc.).
Make sure it is not too big or too small. I recommend trying it in person if you can. Trust your instinct. The helmet should feel just right.
Once you put it on your head, remember the two-finger rule. Two finger-width should be between your eyebrow and the helmet. Next, center the buckle under your chin and adjust the straps so you put two fingers underneath.
I hope this guide was helpful for you. If it was, please consider sharing it or comment below.
