Naked heads exposed, on bikes no less ...

Lately I've been noticing a lot of people riding their bicycles, young and old alike. It’s the season here in New York, and amazingly, many people are riding without a bicycle helmet. I know they didn’t exist when some of us were kids or when many people learned to ride a bike, but they’re here now.

True, we lived, but many others got seriously injured or worse. Think of it as cheap insurance. A properly fitted and adjusted helmet will not only help prevent serious head injuries, but it also can be easy to use, cool your head as you ride, and look good to boot. You will you protect yourself and will be setting a good example for younger riders.

So be safe, be cool, and wear a helmet.

—Rich Handel, project leader and guest blogger, Consumers Union

Before you buy a helmet, see our advice on how to get a good fit and take a look at our latest bicycle helmet Ratings for kids (subscribers only), including a review of the Hot Wheels and Hannah Montana models.

Comments

[Bill Sheehan]

My doctor is a cyclist, and always wears a helmet. So do I. But I fully support the rights of adults not to wear helmets if they don't want to. After all, we always need more organ donors...

[Rich]

Looks of course are in the eye of the beholder. Protection is the primary function of a bike helmet, if it looks "good" it is a bonus. More attractive designs have been coming out, while still offering the required protection. If a kid thinks their helmet looks cool, it will increase the likelihood that they will wear it when their parents aren't looking.

Finally, looks aren't everything

[Blade Canyon]

They look good to boot? I've never seen an attractive bike helmet. Their design is a complete mystery to me, making the wearer look like a nerdy alien. It is impossible to have a serious conversation with a man while he is wearing a bike helmet.

Why are the sides of the head left completely uncovered? Something closer to a baseball batter's helmet would make more sense, and even look better.