What Are Recreational Bicycle Helmets?

Cycling does not only keep you physically fit, but it also helps you keep chronic ailments such as diabetes and cardiac diseases at bay. During cycling, accidents may occur which may cause you to have life-threatening injuries; that’s why it’s advisable that you always put on a recreational bicycle helmet whenever you go biking.

So, whether you are a cycling enthusiast or are about to join the two-wheeled club’, and you are in doubt whether a helmet is right for you, then read on as this article got you covered. We help you understand in-depth what recreational bicycle helmets are and give you tips on how to correctly choose the right helmet. We also walk you through the pros and cons of putting on a helmet whenever you are cycling and how to take care of your helmet properly.

What are recreational bicycle helmets?

Recreational bicycle helmets, also known as cycle helmets, are protective gears that cyclists put on to help reduce the impacts of a fall on a cyclist’s head. As per the USA laws, all cycle helmets are supposed to meet the mandatory safety standards set by the American Consumers Safety Product Commission (CPSC), which are;

• All bicycle helmets must adequately protect the head; for kids below the age of 5, the helmets should be designed to cover most of the head
• The chin straps of a cycle helmet must be strong enough to prevent the helmet from coming off in case of an accident
• All cycle helmets must have a label that shows that it meets the CPSC’S (consumer safety product commission) safety standards

Tips on how to choose the right bicycle helmet

Ensure that it fits you properly

• Choose a cycle helmet that fits you properly; that is, it should not be too small or too big. A properly fitting helmet will effectively reduce the impact of a crash or a collision on your head in case of an accident.
• You can easily choose the appropriate helmet size for your head by taking a tape measure and measuring the most considerable portion of your head’s circumference (usually an inch above your eyes). Extra tip; If you find yourself in between 2 sizes, always pick the smaller one.

Consider the in-built features

• Helmet vents for ventilation which help you stay cool during your cycling adventure
• A sunshade visor(windscreen) helps shade your eyes, thus protecting them from damage
• A mounting feature- helps improve your biking experience since you can mount your phone or camera on the mounting part and safely take videos or pictures during your cycling expedition

Tips on how to care for your recreational bicycle helmet and extend its shelf life

• Use a soft sponge, mild soap and clean lukewarm water to clean your helmet. NEVER use bleaching agents to wash your helmet
• Store your helmet in a cool, clean, dry place and away from human traffic (to avoid it from getting knocked over)
• Always use a helmet carrying bag or case to carry your helmet to avoid dropping it on scratching it on rough surfaces
• Clean it after every 2-3months

Conclusion

You must have a fully functional recreational bicycle helmet if you are to have an enjoyable and risk-free cycling experience. Before purchasing a helmet, ensure that it meets the CPSC’s standards. Also, remember to properly store your helmet and clean it at least after every 2 months to extend its shelf life.