According to the National Head Injury Foundation, each year nearly 50,000 [tag-tec]bicyclists[/tag-tec] suffer serious head injuries leaving them with permanent disabilities.
The good news is that helmets can greatly reduce this risk. A study in Seattle found that wearing a bicycle helmet reduced the risk of head injury by 85 percent. Other biking risks include:
- Collision with a car or another bicycle
- Loss of control
- Mechanical and structural problems
- Getting hands, feet or clothing tangled in the bike
- Feet slipping from the pedals
In regard to [tag-ice]bike helmets[/tag-tec], which should be worn EVERY time your child-or you!-rides a bike, the helmet should:
- Sit level and firmly on your child’s head, but not be so tight that it’s uncomfortable.
- Not be tilted forward or backward
- Not be worn over a baseball hat.
- Have strong, wide straps that fasten snugly under the chin (you shouldn’t be able to fit more than a finger under the strap if it’s on properly).
- Always be fastened while riding.
- Be replaced after a serious fall, as helmets lose their capacity to absorb shock after taking a hit.
- Louis Garneau Grunge Kids Helmets look so cool that your kids will be begging to wear them. Just don’t tell them about all the added safety features like the:
- Quick-release buckle fastener with ergonomic shape.
- Airdry Fusion that provides better comfort and ventilation. Helmet stabilizing device for integrated receptacle.
- Rack-and-pinion mechanism for tight and quick adjustment. Airdry padding for optimum comfort. (For ages 6 to 15)
If you have a hard time getting your older child or teen to wear a helmet-you’re sure that he takes it off as soon as he gets down the block-Amazon.com has some Louis Garneau Grunge Kids Helmets that look so cool your kids will be asking for one in each color!