Bicycle helmet for children. How to choose a bicycle helmet?

Bicycle helmet is one of the many types of protection for fans of outdoor activities. With the increase in speed, the risk of injuries increases, whether it is walking along busy city streets or practicing extreme cycling. Particularly topical is the issue of protecting children from possible injuries.

History

The bicycle helmet was in demand due to the general development of motorways, the increase in speed regimes and the large number of vehicles on the roads.

The first serious developments in the creation of a helmet were made in the seventies of the last century. Frequent fatal accidents forced some athletes and fans of fast driving on two-wheeled cars to use a hockey headgear as a bicycle helmet.

Unfortunately, such protection was, rather, illusory than real. The sports equipment companies continued to develop and manufacture helmets for cyclists. In 1984, the ANSI Committee (American National Standards Institute) defined clear criteria for them. A large number of equipment that did not meet the approved requirements disappeared from the market.

Giro Company

The world manufacturer of bicycle protection and helmets is recognized by Giro. It is located in Santa Cruz, USA. The application of innovative developments, unique design and high-tech production helps the company to maintain a leading position in the sales market.

Bicycle helmets Giro before release in a wide sale must undergo thorough testing in the laboratory. Based on the test results, the models are finalized and brought to perfection.

Helmets not only perfectly protect the head athlete, but also provide comfort in use. Advantages of models:

• Ventilation holes, the intensity of ventilation being adjustable;
• Holes for the hair;
• Size adjustment;
• Light weight;
• stylish design;
• Use of modern materials;
• The unsurpassed strength of helmets.

Types of helmets

There are three main types of protective hats for cycling.

• Sports - a universal model, suitable for mountain, highway and city roads. It is used by skateboarders and roller skaters.
• Helmets for mountain roads are designed for maximum protection. Their design provides a visor, a wide back for reliable neck protection and a special system that firmly fixes the product on the head. Bike helmets of this model are also used by cyclists taking part in cyclocrosses.
• Special helmets for riding on racing and road bicycles. They feature lightness, excellent aerodynamic performance, good ventilation. These helmets are used mainly by professional racers.

In addition to species, helmets are also classified according to the type of construction:

• The bowler is the simplest model. Usually used in urban conditions, it has a characteristic semicircular shape and a minimum number of ventilation holes.
• Cross-country is considered a universal model. It optimally combines protection, lightness and convenience, equipped with a removable visor.
• Full-face, is based on helmets for motocross. The lower part of the face is covered by a protective "jaw". Another feature is the presence of a large visor. Basically, these helmets are used for high-speed descent from the mountains.
• Racing in the form of a drop. Specific model, heavy and uncomfortable, but with excellent aerodynamic performance. Used for races with separate start.

Security

Security is the personal question of every person. But, sitting in the car, most drivers do not forget to buckle up with a seat belt. A bicycle is also a vehicle with a high degree of injury. Ignore my own life without wearing a helmet for a far-fetched reason ("he does not go to me", "I look ridiculous in it," or "I'll ruin my hair") - at least silly.

When you fall from a bicycle, the head suffers most. A bicycle helmet will help to avoid severe craniocerebral trauma. The choice of models, colors, design is simply huge. In any specialized store, competent salespeople will help you choose a quality model of the appropriate size.

The size

In order for the helmet to perform its protective function, it must correspond to the size of the head of the cyclist.

Issue two options:

• Adjustable model, in this case it is very easy to adjust the helmet to the size of the head;
• Helmets made for a specific head size:

- very small - up to 51 cm;

- small - 51-55 cm;

- the average - 55-59 cm;

- large - 59-63 cm;

- very large - more than 63 cm;

- universal male - 54-61cm;

- universal female - 50-57 cm;

- for children - 46-57 cm.

The sizes of bicycle helmets are selected individually under the athlete's head. Determine its size is not difficult: you need to measure the circumference, applying a measuring tape above the eyebrow level by 1.5-2 cm.

Children's helmets

What can be more valuable than a child's health? As statistics show, the regular wearing of a helmet reduces the risk of injury by 85%. Children's bicycle helmets are manufactured by the leading manufacturers of protective ammunition.

In size, they are divided into S - the head circumference is 45-50 cm, and M - 50-55 cm. Adjustment is provided for almost all models of children's helmets. It should be simple and, most importantly, reliable. The helmet should sit tightly on the head and at the same time not create a feeling of discomfort. Well, if the model has a visor, it will help protect the face from injuries and eyes from the sun.

Bicycle helmets for children should be light, with good ventilation. Some manufacturers cover the ventilation holes with a mosquito net to protect them from insects.

A wide range of models can meet the child's wishes for color and design execution. The parents' matter is to check that at the same time the helmet is guaranteed to protect the child's head.

Criterias of choice

How to choose a bicycle helmet? First of all, it is necessary to determine for which type of riding a bicycle helmet will be used. For unhurried city trips, a bowler hat is suitable, for extreme descent from the mountains it is better to purchase a full face. But each of the selected helmets must meet certain requirements:

• Suitable for a certain type of cycling;
• Tightly and securely attached to the head;
• Do not have visible damage;
• Be comfortable for the cyclist.

In this case, do not forget about such indicators as the weight of the helmet, the fixing and adjustment system, ventilation, the presence of a protective mesh, visor, the quality of the inner liner, the provided hair hole (if necessary), and retro-reflective elements.

No matter how reliable the helmet is, it, unfortunately, does not guarantee 100% protection against injuries. When riding a bike for a walk or for competitions, it should be remembered that safety largely depends on the attention and care of the cyclist himself.