Helmet
From biketrip.org
Contents |
[edit] How to choose a helmet for touring
- The first thing you need is a conformity to the rules in the country you're buying. It can be Consumer Products Safety Commission (CSPC) in the USA, CE in Europe and so on. There are also some additional impact test usually done by the shop or the manufacturer you're buying from. But the #1 rule is this certification. Don't bother buying a non certified helmet.
- Take a so-called road or sport helmet. The third type being mountain bike, which you don't need for touring. It affects mainly the design and protection provided. Road types are more aerodynamics but that's pure marketing bullshit, mountain bike types are offering extra protection in the back and are more enveloping. A normal sport one is enough.
- Choose the size carefully. If too big it could slip in case of a fall, if too small you'll end up not wearing it. There are many fitting devices, some quite advanced. Choose something simple, just because it has less chance of breaking.
- Make sure it's well ventilated. If you're riding in warm weather you'll be happy about the extra air you'll get.
- Try to take one that you can wear and tie with one hand. I know it sounds stupid but you'll see, you'll thank me.
- And last, choose a color you like. The brighter will make you more visible...
[edit] When to change ?
Whenever something breaks, like a strap, or if you get a crack in the shell...
[edit] Regulations
Here are some of the countries where helmets are compulsory (list under construction, always check before !):
| Compulsory | Optional |
|---|---|
The following map maps the table above:
[edit] Why aren't helmets compulsory everywhere ?
Well, most of the governments don't care. For those who do, a lot of studies showed that once a legislation about helmet wearing has been introduced, cycle usage drops significantly. At the same time, it seems that no country, not even Australia or New Zealand were helmet wearing is compulsory, have been able to show a reduction in head injuries for accidents involving cyclists. There's a drop in absolute number of casualties and head injuries , but no study correlated it with the drop in cycle usage. These two reasons are the main arguments in the UK for not voting the helmet law. They even go further by saying that with the decrease in bicycle usage following a helmet law, the obesity level and hear-attack risk level rises inducing a higher mortality !
[edit] See Also
- Shop for helmets on biketrip.org
- The Packing_list project
- Bicycle Helmet Safety Institute - Everything you need to know about helmets.
- Bicycle helmet laws - A website showing the current regulation for bicycle helmets in the UK, Canada, Australia and New Zealand.
