How to wear a bike helmet (the right way)

If you want to get the most protection out of your bike helmet, you must wear it correctly – and many are making helmet mistakes without even realizing it. Let’s review the basics:

• Buy the correct size by measuring your head circumference before purchasing. Then use the ratchet system to fine-tune the fit. When a helmet fits well, it does not move much when you shake your head (but it shouldn’t be so tight that it causes headaches or discomfort, either).
• The front of the helmet should rest just above your brow. If you see a significant amount of forehead skin, your bike helmet is higher than it should be.
• When the helmet is on your head, the straps should be snug, but not tight enough to distract. You should not be able to fit more than two fingers between your skin and the chin strap. The strap dividers (the “Y” straps on your bike helmet) should sit just below your earlobe.
• Based on current evidence, it is not advisable to wear thick layers between your hair (or your scalp for that matter), and the inner surface of any given helmet. For instance, a very thin and traditional cycling cap would probably not have a detrimental effect during an accident, but wearing thick layers (such as a beanie or a winter toque) is definitely discouraged, as they might alter the beneficial and protective effects of a regular cycling helmet. See all of our helmets here