Helmet Safety: Separating Fact from Fiction

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By Ken King, PCI #523
Lakewood PD (CO)
IPMBA Industry Relations Committee

The purpose of this article is to help the public safety cyclist differentiate the facts and myths of cycling helmets. Many vendors offer a variety of helmets that range in price $40 to $200. That's a wide range, and understanding the differences between these various models can be difficult. The information below is intended to clarify what to buy and when to buy (or replace), as well as shed light on some of the current cycling helmet safety regulations.

Construction

Everybody knows that helmets are intended to provide safety and prevent head injuries. But how? Is a more expensive helmet a safer helmet? An examination of the inner workings and design of helmets can lead to a better understanding of how they provide protection. Most helmets are currently constructed from expanded polystyrene (EPS) foam. EPS is the best material available for absorbing impact and energy from crashes. It is also able to withstand a wide range of temperature and weather conditions.

There are two common construction types: the in-mold construction (also commonly referred to as "single construction"), and the tape-on shell (also known as the "two-piece tape") style. In-mold technology consists of a manufacturing process in which the inner EPS foam liner and the outer hard shell are molded as one unit. In-mold designed helmets are extremely resistant to separation upon an impact or crash, primarily due to the advanced molding procedure and the rigidity of the one-piece construction.

The two-piece style construction has two separate components: an inside EPS foam piece and an outside hard shell. A band of tape can be seen around the outside perimeter of the helmet where the inner and outer units meet. Because tape can lose adhesiveness, the shell may become damaged or separated in a crash. Therefore, a two-piece constructed helmet may not perform as well in a serious crash as an in-mold unit.

In-mold construction typically signifies a better quality helmet, so this type of helmet will usually have a slightly higher price tag. Just a short time ago, in-mold helmets cost $75-$100; however, today's prices hover around $50.

Comfort

Comfort is another critical component of helmet selection. It can be broken into two categories: venting and fit. Vents allow air to flow through the helmet to keep the head cool and reduce sweating. Most helmets have between 12-24 vents. Large vent openings may allow branches, sharp rocks or other objects to pass through and contact the head. Too much venting means less contact surface on your head, which means the energy of an impact will be concentrated in one area rather than dissipated, which could lead to injury. Therefore, do not buy a helmet with more venting than is needed.

The best gauge of comfort of a properly worn helmet is a snug fit with no pressure points. Some brands offer a one-size-fits-all, while other helmet manufacturers offer advanced fit devices. It should not be possible to lift a properly fitted helmet off the head by pulling or twisting. The helmet should not slip and leave a large area of the head unprotected. Strap size may also affect comfort. Smaller straps tend to pinch and seem less comfortable than larger or wider straps. Comfort is highly personal to each rider, and it may be necessary to try different helmets from several manufacturers to find the right fit.

The built-in retention mechanisms of the helmet design may also add to comfort. Retention refers to the helmet's ability to stay in place in a crash or on impact. Some retention devices provide additional coverage to the rear of the head. Another comfort consideration is that the helmet have a smooth, rounded exterior free of snag points or sharp edges that might cause injury in a crash or upon impact.

Cost

Cost is also a major factor in helmet selection. Quality helmets range in price from $40 to $200. A higher price does not necessarily mean greater safety protection. In fact, the latest Consumer Reports rating (1999) showed that many moderately priced helmets (under $50) performed as well as the higher priced models. At this time, a report on the safety performance of the newer model helmets is not available. However, most vendors however provide basic safety information on their websites and in their product literature.

The cost of a helmet is dictated by construction type (in-mold versus tape-on shell), fitting and retention type (universal fit versus advanced fit), venting, and, of course, finish (how cool it looks).

When to Replace a Bicycle Helmet

Most manufacturers recommend replacing a helmet every three to five years, depending on use. Helmet breakdown for public safety cyclists may be accelerated due to exposure to elements, long hours of wear, and sweating from huffing pounds of gear around.

Helmets should also be replaced after impact. Once compressed or damaged, EPS foam does not bounce back or return to its original form. Therefore, once damaged always damaged. Helmets that have sustained significant impact may no longer provide adequate safety. The bottom line - even if a helmet does not look damaged after a crash, replace it anyway. Some manufacturers allow for a "trade-in" timeframe (often up to three years), during which if a helmet is damaged in a crash, the consumer can bring it to a local retailer and receive a discount on a new helmet. There are similar credits for kids who outgrow helmets and need larger sizes. These programs are designed to help ensure adequate safety protection for all riders because manufacturers realize that frequent helmet purchases can be costly. They also help the manufacturer build brand loyalty.

Safety Standards

Today's helmets are all required to meet a minimum safety standard; some manufacturers go above and beyond that standard in constructing their helmets.

Consumer Product Safety Commission Standards (CPSC)
Since March of 1999, all bicycle helmets must meet the CPSC Federal standards for safety. Look for the CPSC sticker as assurance that the helmet being purchased meets the minimum required safety standard and will provide a high level of protection.

Snell Safety Standards
Additional, voluntary safety standards are obtained through the Snell Helmet Testing Program and the Snell Memorial Foundation. Helmets that meet Snell's B-95 or N-94 standard have a higher safety rating than those that meet CPSC; i.e., they provide additional safety protection. Snell's B-90 standard that is comparable to the CPSC rating.

American Society for Testing & Materials (ASTM) Standards
The previous ASTM's standard is also comparable to the CPSC standard. Some older helmets were rated with the ANSI Z90.4 standard, which is no longer used. If this is the case with your helmet, consider trading in "old ironsides" for a newer model.

International Standards
Outside the U.S., there are several national standards as well as a European CEN standard. Most test helmets in ways similar to the U.S. standard, however, they generally use a less severe drop test than the CPSC standard.

A note about visors: visors are not currently covered by any safety standards. Therefore, in using a visor, consider the construction materials (rigid versus flexible), the breakaway features (hook and loop versus prong style fasteners), and the risk of shattering and/or snagging. Advocacy groups are trying to have visors included in safety standards and this may occur sometime in the future.

Conclusion

When purchasing a helmet, consider the construction type, comfort, fit, and venting. Select a helmet that meets or exceeds the CPSC Federal standard. Consider style and finish, but bear in mind that they can add significant cost to a helmet. A flashy finish will usually cost more but will not provide a higher level of protection than that of a not-so-flashy model.

Don't make a helmet purchase based solely on price. Wait until you have found the "perfect" helmet before looking at the price tag. Find out about the manufacturer's warranty and trade-in program (if applicable). Remember that the money you are spending is intended to reduce or remove the possibility of injury in a serious crash. Purchasing the right helmet for your head size, shape and type of riding may prove to be the most critical cycling decision you make.