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How to Wear a Bike Helmet Properly in 6 Steps


Written by Gary Johnson / Fact checked by Henry Speciale

how to wear a bike helmet properly

Helmet is the cycling gear that you should always wear everywhere you go. It will protect you from serious head injury and lessen the blow in case of an accident. But you cannot maximize its function if you pick a poorly fitted bicycle helmet and put it on incorrectly.

So, how to wear a bike helmet properly? You should use the correct helmet size, use the straps and buckle, and know the correct position of the helmet to your head.

Read this guide to know the full details of how to properly wear a bicycle helmet:

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Things You’ll Need for This Tutorial

To know the right size for your bike helmet, and wear it properly, you should prepare a tape measure and the bike helmet itself. Doing this with a partner can help you achieve the goal of having a perfectly fitted helmet.

Wearing Bike Helmet Properly in These Easy Steps

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Step 1: Know the right size

Size should be your topmost consideration when wearing a bike helmet. It is important to measure your head first to get the correct helmet size. We recommend trying the helmet on, so you can make sure that the gear fits snuggly.

When the helmet sits flat on your head, move your head from side to side, and observe the movement of your helmet. It should not rock or sway from one side to another. If the helmet rocks considerably, you are using the wrong size.

You can also buy a helmet with sizing pads, so it can fit your head. With sizing pads, you can mix and match to can enjoy maximum comfort.

Step 2: Know the right position

Some underestimate the importance of a properly positioned helmet when cycling. Knowing the right position when using a helmet means getting the optimum protection from the gear. You should know which way is front or back for right positioning.

Even a pointy bike helmet must sit level on your head and low on your forehead. You can measure it using one or two finger widths just above your eyebrows.

Step 3: Buckles

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Buckles are part of the complete helmet package for a reason. They will keep your helmet in place when you move briskly on your rides.

To check whether you are using the buckles correctly either for a bern helmet, it is crucial to center the left buckle under your chin. In most cases, the straps of the helmet can be pulled from the back, so you can lengthen or shorten it to the size of your head and level of comfort.

You can remove the helmet and adjust it accordingly. The adjustments should be made gradually, so you can see how comfortable you are in wearing the helmet.

Step 4: Using side straps correctly

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Helmets normally come with side straps to ensure a proper bike helmet fit. You also have the option to adjust these straps into a “V” form. The straps come with sliders that you can adjust slightly depending on your comfort level, and the tightness needed to keep the helmet in place even with long hair.

After you get your desired fitting, lock the sliders properly.

Step 5: Using chin strap properly

Proceed to buckle the bike helmet chin strap next. Tighten the strap until it is perfectly snugged. Ensure that no more than one or two fingers fit under the gap of the strap. If you feel like the strap is still loose, adjust it slightly.

Step 6: Finish the fitting

By this time, you already know how should a helmet fit. The next step is to check for the final fitting by following these steps:

  • Step 1: Open your mouth wide, make a big yawn, and observe whether the helmet pulls down on the head. If not, you need to tighten the chin strap.
  • Step 2: Your helmet should not rock more than two fingers above your eyebrows. If it rocks, you have to adjust the front strap by unbuckling it, and moving the slider forward. Tighten it, and test the fitting again.
  • Step 3: Even when you are wearing a motorcycle helmet, your helmet must not rock forward towards your eyes. If this happens, you need to adjust the back strap by removing the gear and moving the slider backwards.
  • Step 4: Lastly, test the rubber band by rolling it down to the buckle. All the straps must be close to the rubber band to prevent the gear from sliding off while you are riding.

Things You Should Not Do When Wearing a Helmet

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1. Wearing the helmet to far back on your head

The helmet should not expose a lot of your forehead. It has the tendency to move forward and backward when you are riding on your bicycle. Ensure that it sits level on the top of your head, too.

2. Size always matter

Do not buy a helmet that is too small or too big for you even for a child. If the size does not fit you well, it can reduce your comfort, and it will not sit properly on your head. As a result, it will not protect you from any accident.

3. Do not wear a covering under your helmet

Do not wear a hat, cap, or any form of head cover when using a bike helmet on head. You might compromise the fit of the gear and reduce its functionality. Make sure that you solely wear safety helmet without any layer of head covers underneath.

The helmet is not just about protection, it is also about comfort. There are air vents, foam, and air systems that ensure air can circulate around your head while wearing the gear.

Other things to consider for a perfectly fit helmet

  • The bike helmet must properly cover your forehead. It should not sit too high on head.
  • The bike helmet must be snugged, tight, and well-adjusted.
  • The bike helmet must not rock forward nor backward.
  • The bike helmet should complement the size of your head.
  • The bike helmet should also be replaced occasionally to ensure that it can protect you in case of accidents.

Conclusion

It is not enough to just put on a bike helmet when cycling. It is also crucial that the gear fits perfectly around your head. There are important features in this head gear that you need to be aware of to achieve a perfectly fit bike helmet.

The straps, buckles, and chin straps can help you achieve a well-fitted bike helmet. May this guide raise more awareness on how to wear a bike helmet properly. We keep the content simple but straightforward so everyone can understand.

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