The famous Canadian road racing and track cyclist and cyclewear manufacturer Louis Garneau, was seriously injured in a bike accident on the 22nd July. The 59-year-old was suffering from a concussion and a punctured lung but said he’s now recovering.
“I crashed on the side of my helmet and my helmet saved my life,” he told Radio-Canada.
Garneau was riding with a group when one of his wheels and the wheel of another cyclist came into contact, and he lost control.
“I learned, you know, I’m a very good cyclist, and I can make mistakes. So I will take care the next ride,” he said.
RULE THE ROAD, BUT FIRST GET A HELMET.
Whether you call it a style, functionality or crash protection, heading out for a ride, there is nothing one can predict how or when an accident happens. Hence, settling on the right helmet requires appreciation, effort, and understanding. Cycling Malaysia enlightens you 3 Yes and 3 No invaluable insights into bicycle helmets.
3 Yes(s)
- Yes, bike helmets are designed and tested on their ability to protect a head injury. Multi-directional Impact Protection System (MIPS) is a revolutionary protection technology constructed in bike helmets, which reduces rotational forces that can result from angled impacts.
- Yes, opting for the efficaciously made padding between a head and helmet shell absorbs sweat and keeps it out of face and eyes. Most of the paddings are removable for a wash!
- Yes, bike helmets take cutting-edge technology, ergonomic research, and intensive labour of aerodynamic ensure that you provide the most comfortable, breathable, and attractive protective designs.
3 No(s)
- No, bike helmets don’t have to be expensive. However, storing a bike helmet for up to five years may not provide sufficient protection in an impact as the protective foam liner can deteriorate after a length of time.
- No, it is wrong if the appearance of a bike helmet does not matter. Bright colours give awareness to other riders in dark and dim environments. The ventilation holes on a helmet keep you cool and sunglasses are usually placed on a helmet. Visibility can be affected via the compact rear light, or some are built in red light designing to avoid inattentive riders.
- No, that is not just about it. Some mountain bike helmets have spaces with a dedicated mounting system for cameras and lights. Both road and mountain bikes possess dissimilar practicalities.
1 SIZING YOUR HELMET
Helmets come in a variety of sizes to suit various head shapes. Cheaper helmets tend to be one-size-fits-all with an internally adjustable strap, while higher-end models have different sized shells with a smaller range of adjustment.
Your helmet should sit square on your head, with about an inch gap above your eyebrows. You can take a rough measure by using 2 fingers placed above your eyebrows. The helmet should not sit too far back on your head and must cover your forehead. It should not rock from side to side.
2 ADJUSTING THE STRAPS
Strap adjustment is critical in ensuring that your helmet will protect you the way it was designed to. First, center the left buckle under your chin. Adjust the length of the strap using the buckle. It may be easier to take the helmet off for adjustments, then checking the fit by placing it back on your head.
For the side straps, adjust the slider so that it sits about an inch below, and slightly forward, of your ear. Repeat for the other side.
Buckle the chin strap, and adjust the tightness till you can just fit one finger under the strap.
3 READY TO RIDE
Check your fit. The helmet should sit snugly on your head, and not move side to side to rock forward and back. If this happens, adjust the straps till correct fit is achieved. A loose helmet can slide backward or come off in a crash, so take the time to adjust the straps.
Tuck away loose ends of the straps, or cut to trim excess.
4 CARING FOR YOUR HELMET
Helmets as personal protective equipment must be cared for to ensure they work properly.
After every ride, wash with soap and water, and air dry. Foam inserts may be removed and washed separately, or replaced if perished.
Check straps for signs of wear and fraying. Replace if any strap is worn or torn.
Check helmet shell for cracks or dents. Replace if any cracks or dents are seen.
Check helmet inner for signs of deformation. Replace if necessary.
If you take any impact on your helmet in a crash, replace the helmet as soon as possible. Crash damage may not be seen, but the performance of the helmet may be compromised.
If a bike helmet is not chosen properly, it is simply not going to do the job what it was designed for. Now, say yes to helmet!