Safety for Riders

                                                  Safety  for Rider
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Helmets provide the best protection against head and brain injury, whether your child is riding a bike, scooter or skateboard, or using skates. However, a helmet will only protect when it fits well.  Help your child get in the habit of wearing a helmet by starting when they’re young. Be a good role model and wear a helmet yourself.

Choose a helmet that meets safety standards. For biking, riding a scooter, recreational rollerskating and in-line skating, look for a helmet with a CPSC (Consumer Product Safety Commission) or Snell sticker inside.

• For skateboarding, or aggressive, trick or extreme skating, look for a helmet that has a sticker inside saying it meets ASTM F1492. It is not enough for the helmet just to look like a skate helmet.
• There are some helmets that meet both the CPSC and ASTM F1492 standards. They are multi-sport helmets and can be used for biking, skating, riding a scooter and skateboarding. Don’t be fooled into thinking that helmets that look “skate-style” are always multi-sport. Look for the two safety standard labels to be sure they are dual-certified.
• Helmet costs vary. Expensive helmets are not always better. Choose one that fits properly, and that your child likes and will wear.
• Helmet sizes vary between manufacturers. Always test for proper fit.
• Check used or hand-me-down helmets with care, and never wear a helmet that is cracked or broken. Used helmets may have cracks you cannot see. Older helmets may not meet current safety
• Helmets come with fit pads to help ensure a proper fit. Use the pads where there is space at the front, back and/or sides of the helmet to get a snug fit. Move pads around to touch your child’s head evenly all the way around. Replace thick pads with thinner ones as your child grows.

Safety Tips

• Teach your child to take their helmet off before playing at the playground or climbing on equipment or trees. The straps can get caught on poles or branches and prevent your child from breathing.
• Leave hair loose or tie it back at the base of the neck.
• For skiing or snowboarding, you will need another type of helmet.

• Helmet need to be replaced?

• Bike helmets are good for only 1 crash. Replace the helmet after a crash, and when the manufacturer suggests.
• Follow the instructions from the manufacturer to know when to replace your multi-impact helmet.
• Replace the helmet if it does not have a CPSC, Snell or ASTM sticker inside, it no longer fits, or your child doesn’t like it.
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