• HOME

• DECOR

• GARDEN

• FOOD & DRINK
  • Restaurant Reviews

• ARTS

• LIFESTYLE
  • Fashion
  • Health
  • Travel
  • Holiday

• HOME SHOW
  • Spring
  • Fall

• BLOGS
  • Editor
  • Michael Cullen

• NEWS
  • Stories
  • Press Releases
  • Community Releases
  • Community Events

• PUBLICATIONS
  • Students
  • Weddings
  • PDF Edition

• CONTACT US

All cyclists, all ages should wear helmets 

|

(CNW) While legislation in Ontario requires all bicycle riders younger than 18 to wear a certified helmet, CSA International, a leading provider of product testing and certification services, encourages cyclists of all ages to use a certified helmet for head protection at all times. To help cyclists be safer, CSA International is offering nine simple tips on what to look for in a bike helmet.

    1.  Certification markings: Look for the certification mark of an
        accredited certification and testing organization such as CSA
        International. A CSA certification mark indicates that the helmet has
        been tested and certified to the requirements of Canada's only
        national standard for cycling helmets.

    2.  Fit: Proper fit is essential for safety. Try helmets on before
        purchasing to make sure you pick one that fits comfortably and
        snugly.

    3.  Stability: When the straps and comfort pads are adjusted, the helmet
        should not move forward, backward or come off. It should sit level on
        the head and extend down to about 3-cm above the eyebrows.

    4.  Ventilation: Look for vents that allow heat to escape, providing
        coolness and perspiration control.

    5.  Attachment system: Front and rear straps should meet just below each
        ear when tightly adjusted. The chin straps should be snug without
        pinching.

    6.  Eye care: Visors provide cyclists with additional protection from the
        sun and rain.

    7.  Visibility: Brightly coloured helmets and reflective strips make the
        rider more visible in traffic.

    8.  Replacement: Bike helmets act as shock absorbers, protecting the head
        by cushioning impact. The helmet is not designed for multiple
        impacts. Replace a helmet after it has been in a crash.

    9.  Reputable brands: Be wary of potentially counterfeit helmets. Tips an
        item may be a fake include products priced well below market value or
        items that have spelling mistakes, poor graphics, or missing contact
        information. Before selling a helmet at a garage or yard sale, please
        check with the manufacturer or Health Canada to see if it has been
        recalled; please do not sell a recalled or problematic helmet.

For more everyday consumer tips and safety advice, visit www.csa.ca/consumers/consumer_site/