Make Sure You Wear A Helmet!
The bicycle has always been cool. The bicycle helmet, however, has historically had a tougher time winning fans. For decades, many cyclists, especially adults, skipped the helmet in favor of the wind in their hair and the freedom of riding unencumbered. Now, though, attitudes are changing. Helmets have become a mainstream part of cycling culture, with designs ranging from sleek aerodynamic road models to fun options featuring camouflage patterns, Mohawks, and character themes that get kids excited to wear them. The safety case for helmets has never been stronger, and the data backing it up has never been more compelling.
A Brief History Of The Bicycle And The Bicycle Helmet
The bicycle was first invented in 1863, when a two-wheeled pedal-powered “bone shaker” was introduced. In the 1870s, the large front wheel on high-wheel bicycles often caused riders to pitch forward, injuring their heads. Some riders began strapping leather and wool to their heads as protection, and the first rudimentary bicycle helmet was born.
In the 1970s, Bell and Mountain Safety Research began mass producing helmets with crushable foam liners and hard shells designed specifically to prevent brain injuries in bicycle accidents. As technology advanced, so did helmet design. Yet even as the evidence mounted that helmets saved lives, many cyclists shunned them. It was not until major public health campaigns, changes in cultural attitudes, and new helmet laws targeting children that adoption began to climb meaningfully.
The Numbers Make A Powerful Case For Helmets
A meta-analysis of over 64,000 cyclists found that riders wearing helmets had 51% lower odds of head injury, 69% lower odds of serious head injury, and 65% lower odds of fatal head injury. Wearing a bicycle helmet can reduce your risk of head injury by up to 80%, according to the CDC.
In 2023, 1,155 cyclists were killed on U.S. roads, the highest total on record, and head trauma is identified as the primary cause of fatal cycling injuries. In 2022, 62% of bicyclists killed in the United States were not wearing helmets. That is a striking statistic and a powerful argument for making helmet use a non-negotiable part of every ride.
One-third of all non-fatal bicyclist injuries are to the head, and according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, a majority of the 80,000 cycling-related head injuries treated in emergency rooms each year are brain injuries. These are not minor bumps. Brain injuries can alter the course of a person’s life permanently, affecting memory, personality, speech, mobility, and the ability to work.
Adults Are The Most At Risk Group
Adults account for 88% of bicyclist fatalities, according to the Governors Highway Safety Association. Despite decades of public health campaigns, adult helmet use continues to lag significantly behind that of children. Children have largely embraced helmet culture thanks to consistent messaging, school programs, and the simple fact that parents can require it. Adults, operating without the same external accountability, are far more likely to skip the helmet on a casual ride.
That casual ride is exactly when many serious accidents happen. The majority of cycling accidents occur close to home, during routine rides at ordinary speeds. You do not need to be going fast to suffer a serious head injury. Your head sits roughly five to six feet above the ground when you are on a bike. Even a stationary tip-over from that height can generate enough force to cause a concussion or worse.
Choosing The Right Bicycle Helmet
Choosing the right bicycle helmet is just as important as choosing to wear one. An ill-fitting helmet will not provide adequate protection in a crash. Here is what to look for:
- The helmet should sit level on your head, not tilted back. It should cover your forehead and sit about one to two finger-widths above your eyebrows.
- It should fit snugly with no more than about a finger’s worth of space between your chin and the strap when buckled.
- Push the helmet forward and backward when secured. It should not move more than about an inch in any direction.
- Look for a CPSC sticker inside the helmet, indicating it meets the US Consumer Product Safety Commission standard for impact protection. All bicycle helmets sold in the United States are required to meet this standard.
- For road cyclists and commuters, look for helmets that have also been tested under the Virginia Tech STAR rating system, which evaluates helmets for concussion protection beyond basic impact standards.
- Replace your helmet after any significant impact, even if it looks undamaged. The foam liner compresses to absorb impact energy and may not perform as well in a second crash.
Colorado And Bicycle Helmet Laws
Colorado does not have a statewide bicycle helmet law for adults. Some municipalities may have their own local ordinances, but in most of Colorado, adult cyclists are free to ride without a helmet. Wearing one, however, is strongly recommended regardless of what the law requires. It is also worth knowing that riding without a helmet after a crash can affect your personal injury claim. Insurance companies may argue that your injuries were more severe than they would have been had you been wearing a helmet, potentially reducing your compensation. An experienced bicycle accident attorney can help you navigate these arguments and protect your right to fair compensation.
Contact Our Colorado Springs Bicycle Accident Attorneys
If you or someone you love has been injured in a bicycle accident caused by another person’s negligence, our attorneys can help. At Rector Stuzynski Law Firm, our Colorado Springs bicycle accident attorneys have the experience and resources to build a strong case designed to obtain maximum compensation for our clients. Understanding what damages you may be entitled to recover is an important first step. Call us today at (719) 578-1106 for a free consultation. We are available 24/7 and ready to help.
