If you fall from your bike, the bicycle helmet takes the force of the blow – instead of your head. Although collisions with vehicles are likely to be the most serious, even a low-speed fall on a bicycle path can be dangerous.

For kids and adults alike, wearing a bicycle helmet is the most effective way to prevent a life-threatening head injury.

Proper fit:

Helmet should cover the forehead, two fingers above the eyebrows

A snug yet not too tight fit will allow just one finger under the strap at the chin

Straps form a V-shape under each ear

Helmet should not move more than one inch in any direction, front to back or side to side

Sizing pads included with the helmet can help make the fit more secure

– John Day Police Department

Get the facts:

Helmet use can reduce the risk of head injury by 85 percent and severe brain injury by 88 percent.

Children are five times more likely to be injured in a bicycle-related crash than older riders (15 years and older).

Males account for 82 percent of bicycle-related deaths and 70 percent of nonfatal injuries among children.

More children ages 5 to 14 are seen in hospital emergency rooms for injuries related to biking than any other sport.

– Safe Kids USA