How to Properly Fit a Bike Helmet for Maximum Protection

​Wearing a bike helmet on every bike ride saves lives and prevents injuries.  Experts say that using this readily available and affordable piece of safety equipment on all your rides is the single most effective way to prevent head and brain injuries in the event you should fall off your bike.  Even if you ride at a slow speed, there is a risk of injury from a fall.  Having a helmet is one thing, but taking steps to make sure it fits properly is also essential for your safety and for maximum protection.    

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Why Wear a Helmet
More than 130,000 bicycle riders are injured every year in the United States following crashes, according to the  U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Wearing a helmet has the following benefits:

• Reduces serious head injuries by 60%.
• Reduces traumatic brain injury by 53%.
• Reduces the number of cyclists killed or seriously injured by 34%.

If you are not a numbers person, then just look around at others in the cycling community.  You will find that avid cyclists such as year round commuters, those that ride thousands of miles per year for exercise, car-free cyclists, and members of bike clubs, all wear helmets.  That is because the more time you spend riding a bike the more you understand that anything can happen out there that might cause you to hit the pavement.  You might hit a pot hole, go too fast on wet pavement, encounter a pedestrian walking out in front of you causing you to brake unexpectedly, and come across an  inattentive motorist who turns in front of you, cuts you off, or pushes you to the curb challenging your balance.  Even if you take precautions to be predictable and anticipate hazards, there will be conditions out of your control. 

Why Helmet Fit is Important
A helmet that does not fit properly will not be able to do its job protecting you.  A helmet needs to fit properly in order to provide the highest level of head protection.   Besides a helmet’s ability to protect you in the event of a crash, there is the comfort factor.  Since you will be wearing it on every ride no matter how short or long, you will want it to be comfortable as possible.  

Proper way to wear a helmet (top image) and incorrect way (bottom left) tilted down or tilted up (bottom right)

Steps for Properly Fitting a Helmet
Tip:  Use a mirror or ask another cyclist or bicycle retailer to help. 

1. Measure your head: Use a flexible tape measure to measure the circumference of your head, just above your eyebrows and ears. This measurement will help you select the right size helmet.
2. Choose the right size helmet: Most helmets come in different sizes, so choose the size that corresponds to your head measurement.
3. Position the helmet: The helmet should sit level on your head and low on your forehead. It should cover most of your forehead without obstructing your vision.
4. Adjust the straps: Adjust the straps so that they form a "V" shape under your ears. The chinstrap should be tight enough to keep the helmet in place, but not so tight that it's uncomfortable.
5. Check the fit: With the chinstrap fastened, try to move the helmet back and forth and side to side. The helmet should stay in place and not shift around.
6.  Adjust the pads: Most helmets come with pads that can be used to adjust the fit. If the helmet is too loose, add more pads. If it's too tight, remove some pads.
7. Test the fit: Once you have adjusted the helmet to your liking, do a final test to make sure it fits properly. Shake your head from side to side and up and down. The helmet should stay in place and not move around.

Fit Checking Advice
There are at least two popular methods for remembering and checking helmet fit for levelness, side strap, and chinstrap placement, 1) the 2V1 method and 2) Eyes, Ears, and Month. 

1.   2V1 Method

• Place two fingers above your eyebrows: The helmet should cover the top of the forehead and should rest about two fingers' width above the eyebrows.
• Check that straps form a V under your ears. The side straps should fit snugly around the ears in a "V"shape. The buckles on the side strap should fit right under the ear.
• Place one finger between the helmet’s strap and the chin. Buckle the chin strap. Tighten it until you can fit only one finger between the strap and the chin.
  
  

2.   Eyes, Ears, and Mouth

• Look up.  You should be able to see the rim of the helmet with your eyes.
• Check that the straps form a snug V over your ears.    
• Open you month as if you are yawning.  The chin strap should feel snug.  

Common Bike Helmet Fitting Issues

1. Too loose – if the helmet is the wrong size for the shape of your head or the straps or dial is too loose, may fly off upon impact and not protect you when needed. 
2. Tilted back – a helmet that is tilted back on your head will not protect your forehead in the event of a forward fall.
3. Not centered – a helmet that is tilted to one side over another will not protect your head at the temple where there is no protection.

 
Fitting a Helmet for a Child
You should use the same guidance fitting a helmet for a child as you do for an adult.  In addition, when selecting a helmet for a child, choose one that fits them today, do not try to save money by buying one that is too large thinking they will grow into it.  As a child’s head grows you will need to replace it.    

Helmet Fitting Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. How can you tell if a helmet is properly fitted?
   A helmet that is too loose will move around or will not sit down completely on your head.  A correctly sized helmet will be a little tight, providing even pressure around your head without uncomfortable pressure points. It should not move when you shake your head.
   
   
2. Should helmet be snug on your head?
   Yes, there should be no spaces between the foam and the rider's head.  It should be as snug as comfortable without being uncomfortable.
   
   
3. If I am in between sizes, should I size up or down?
   Choose the larger size. Make customizations as necessary, such as twisting the dial in the back, adding thicker fit pads and/or adjusting straps, adding a lightweight cap or headband.  A well-fitting bike helmet should be snug, but not too tight.
   
   
4. Are bike helmets one-size fits all?
   There are some brands that only come in one size, but most come in S, M, L, and sometimes XL.  If a one-sized helmet is too tight or loose, then look for another brand that has sizes.  
   
   
5. What if neither of the sizes feels comfortable on my head?
   Try another brand to see if the mold used by another manufacturer fits you better.
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6. How can I tell which is the front and back sides of a helmet?
   The back is often a little lower than the front to protect the skull and may include a dial or adjustment system that the front will not.
   
   
7. Can I wear a hat or headband under my helmet in cold weather for warmth or to absorb sweat in the summer?
   Yes, but select a thin one or ear coverings so it does not interfere with how the helmet sits and is secured on your head.

Always wear a helmet when riding a bike and make sure it fits properly to ensure maximum protection.  The result will enable you to have many memorable and safe rides.