Bike Safety Bike Smart S Types of Helmets

Bike Safety Bike Smart S

Types of Helmets • Head injury is the leading cause of bicycle related deaths. • 75% of all bike related fatalities could be prevented with a helmet. • In Virginia, head injuries account for almost 39% of all bicycle hospitalization. • Helmets reduce the risk of head injury by 85 and 88% respectively.

Types of Helmets • Bicycle Helmets - Labeled to met at a minimum CPSC standards - Often labeled to meet higher standards (SNELL, ASTM) • Multi-Sports Helmets - Should be labeled as such - Still needs to meet CPSC standards for bicycle helmets • Skateboard Helmets - Can look like some multi-sport helmets - Do not meet the CPSC standard for bicycle helmets - Designed for different types of falls

Fitting Helmet Step One -Measure head for approximate size - Do not pick a helmet based on age but rather size - Helmet should fit comfortably, but not too snug - Use sizing pads to help create a good fit -When helmet is moved, eyebrows should move up and down

Step Two -The helmet should sit level on the head -The helmet should be two finger widths above the eyebrow to provide the greatest amount of protection to the forehead/frontal lobe -Needs to be the finger width of the helmet wearer not the fitter

Step Three - Center the left buckle under the chin - Most straps are a continuous loop and can be pulled from the back of the helmet to lengthen or shorten the chin straps - This is the easiest done with the helmet off

Step Four - Slide the adjuster on both straps to form a “V” under the ear and slightly in front of the ear - This is very important to ensure that the helmet will stay in the proper position

Step Five - Buckle the chin strap - No more then one or two fingers should fit under the chin strap

Step Six - Open your mouth wide…… The helmet should pull down on your head. If not, tighten the chin strap. - Does the helmet rock back more than 2 fingers above the eyebrows? *Shorten front strap - Dows the helmet rock forward into the eyes? *Tighten the back strap This is an important step that is overlooked!

Step Seven - All four straps should go through the rubber band be close to the buckle to prevent the buckle from slipping.

Bike Parts

How To Size a Bike • Straddle the top tube • Both feet flat on the ground • Lift the bike by the handlebars and the seat as far as is comfortable. - Road bikes should have 1 to 2 inches between the tire and the ground - Mountain or Hybrid bikes should have 3 to 4 inches between the tire and the ground

How To Fit a Bike • Seat Height: - With the ball of the foot on the pedal, there should be a slight bend at the knee when the pedal is at the very bottom of the pedal stroke. • Seat angle: - The nose of the saddle should be level with the rear of the saddle. • Handlebars: - When viewed form the side the top should be approximately level.

ABC Quick Check • ABC Quick Check - A is Air - B is Brakes - C is for cranks and chains - Quick is for quick releases - Check is for a brief slow ride

Witch Water = Identification Tire Pump = = Change/Cell phone Helmet = =

Assessment ride • Safety first • Stay together • Stay with teacher • Stay under control • Have fun