Inspired by the numbers showing how often a helmet can save your life if you have a bike accident, we talked to a pro about how to fit bicycle helmets.
George Garner Jr. owns and operates George Garner Cyclery, which his father founded in 1947. By now, the business have grown to three cycleries in Northbrook, Libertyville and Lake Zurich.
This is his advice:
In George’s cycleries, as in many other specialized bicycle stores, they won’t let you leave with a new bike helmet unless it has been adjusted to fit the unique shape of your head.
If you want to learn more about the accreditation of bike helmets, go to Bicycle Helmet Safety Institute, the SNELL Foundation, ASTM International or the Consumer Product Safety Commission.
George also showed us a line of BMX style helmets from BELL, which are certified for both biking and skateboarding. The sturdy outer shell comes with a large variety of cool colors and designs! They are a bit heavier than biking-only-helmets and have fewer holes for ventilation. However, they seems great for kids who tend not to be so careful with their stuff.
So, before you get on your bike again, check your helmet and make sure the straps are fitted properly. If your helmet is older than three years, the cushioning polystyrene might be brittle by now. It is time to replace it!
Of course you need reflectors for bicycles and lights and George showed us a few of those as well. Then you can increase your visibility even more – add some fun safety reflectors on your jacket or backpack. However, he funflector safety reflectors are in addition to proper bicycle reflectors and lights!
Elisabeth