Bicycle Network: Bikes 'n' Bits
Helmets
Helmets in sold in Australia all meet Australian standards, so you just need to buy the one that fits best.
What do helmets do?
The foam in a helmet is designed to spread the force of an impact and absorb this energy. This reduces the risk of head injury when the head hits an object or the road.
Remember, a helmet will not stop you having a crash. Your behaviour is the most important safety factor. Make sure you obey all the rules of the road and path and ride safely.
Fitting
 |
| The front rim should sit two fingers above your eyebrow |
 |
| The straps should not be twisted and should form a V just under the ears |
As with most bike equipment, buy the best-quality helmet you can afford. Try a few different brands and sizes to get the right one. More expensive ones have more ventilation and sometimes better fit systems.
When you find a helmet that is comfortable, before you fasten the straps, try a simple test for secure fit. Put your hand lightly on top of the helmet and try to rock it gently side to side, and back to front…if it tilts easily, it is probably too big.
The helmet should be very secure on your head, yet not tight and uncomfortable. The foam pads provided with the helmet are only to help it fit more comfortably, not to make a big helmet fit a small head!
Position the helmet, so that your forehead is not exposed – have the width of two fingers between your eyebrows and the rim of the helmet (see diagram).
The straps should not be twisted and should form a V just under the ears.
When doing it up, the buckle should be securely fastened under the chin. Check again that the straps are not slack.
Replacing your helmet
From time to time, have a good look at your helmet. If you see any damage – cracks, pieces missing, compression of the foam, frayed straps – then you really need to replace it. Manufacturers also advise that if your helmet has sustained an impact, it should be replaced. So be careful in how you or your children handle their helmets, even dropping your helmet may cause unseen damage.
Helmet Laws
What's the law about helmets in Australia?
By law, Victorians must wear a helmet that has been approved to Australian Standards.
There is a loophole in the law that allows importers to bring in helmets that haven’t been approved. Look for the Australian Standards logo when choosing a helmet.
The Australian helmet standard is recognised as one of the strongest standards in the world. By buying an Australian Standards helmet you are supporting manufacturers that are producing helmets that meet Australian standards.
It also means that an Australian Standard helmet will do its job if you are involved in a crash. A non-standard helmet may not provide you with the same level of protection.
Ride On magazine helment reviews
To access the reviews, Bicycle Network Victoria members can log into Blink and view the Ride On library