Avoiding the Flying Helmet

One Monday morning TIffany, a fellow office worker, came into our work area with her face scratched up.  When I asked what happened she said she took a tumble off her bike while riding over the weekend.  “Were you wearing a helmet?” I asked.    Then there was a long pause before she said, “I was, but it flew off.”
 
It goes without saying there is no reason to put a helmet on your head if not secured properly.  This also goes to carrying a helmet dangling from your handlebars—you might as well just leave it at home for all the good it is doing.  It does not matter if you purchased a $40 or a $400 helmet, you are not protecting your head if the helmet does not fit.   Here are some considerations on helmet fit:

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1. Purpose - There are helmets designed specifically for cruising, road riding, mountain biking, commuting, downhill, bike share and more.  Select for your primarily activity.
2. Size -   Helmets come XS to XL and one size fits most.  If you wear a hat or scarf underneath for warmth in cool weather or to absorb sweat when warm, make sure there is enough room. 
3. Adjustments -   There are three points of contact with your head, often referred to as eyes/ears/mouth.  Use the helmet features, i.e. interchangeable pads, elastic strap, adjustable wheel, and straps, to make  adjustments so the helmet sits level on your head, about one inch or two fingers from your eyebrows (eyes), the straps on the sides join right under your ear to form a “V” (ears) , and the strap under the chin is snug when you drop you jaw (mouth).

 
After the first adjustment you should only need minor tweeks on future rides.  This will keep your helmet grounded where it does the most good--on your head.