An activity full of benefits
Enjoying the sun on your bike is great; with the right protective gear, it's even better!
As milder temperatures and longer daylight hours approach, it is only natural for outdoor physical activities to resume in full swing. Among these physical activities, cycling is becoming increasingly popular.
Cycling is a physical activity that offers many health benefits. Here are a few: - improved cardiovascular health;
- reduced risk of diabetes;
- increased energy;
- improved sleep quality;
- improved mental health.
In short, whether recreationally or to commute to work, cycling is an excellent way to stay healthy.
Despite all its benefits, cycling remains an activity during which you must protect yourself properly: by following the rules of the road and using appropriate protective equipment. Among this equipment, there is one that is unfortunately still easily forgotten: the helmet.
Indeed, nearly half of Quebec cyclists do not wear a helmet. Even in our regions where helmets are more popular, 30% of cyclists still admit to not wearing one.
Between 2007 and 2016, head injuries contributed to nearly 60% of deaths linked to an accident involving a cyclist in Quebec. That amounts to an average of 12 people per year.
Between 2009 and 2019, these injuries also contributed to nearly 30% of hospitalizations linked to an incident involving a cyclist.
However, it has been shown that simply wearing a bike helmet helps prevent between 50% and 69% of head injuries among cyclists. If it is properly fitted, it can then prevent up to 85% of head injuries.
This protective equipment could prevent up to 4 out of 5 head traumas if it were worn by all cyclists.
The helmet protects the head by… absorbing shocks to prevent direct impacts with the skull;
distributing the impact over a larger area;
slowing the movement of the head if it undergoes an impact, thanks to the foam inside the helmet.
img_mask-03 Size This is the first aspect to consider when buying a helmet, since the proper functioning of the other 2 aspects (positioning and fitting) depends on it.
Entry-level helmets are designed to fit the majority of the population and feature an adjustment system that keeps the helmet firmly in place. However, this type of helmet may not suit the shape or size of your head. Doing some research beforehand can therefore help you find out which types of helmets would be better suited to your needs and tastes.
For the helmet to protect well, it is not enough to simply put it on your head and fasten it under your chin. Since a well-fitted helmet can greatly prevent head injuries, knowing how to position it correctly is very important.
The method for correctly positioning your bike helmet is very simple. To place it properly in the middle of your head, make sure the front of the helmet sits two fingers above your eyebrows. By placing the helmet in this position, it will then be able to absorb the shock of an impact both at the front and the back of the head.
In addition, if your helmet is adjustable—for example, if it can be tightened using a dial at the back—tighten it enough so that it holds firmly on your head even when the straps are not fastened. Of course, this adjustment serves to ensure the helmet's stability, so you must still fasten the straps.
The last parts to adjust, and by no means the least, are the straps. Without them, the helmet is useless, inevitably falling off your head before it can protect you from any impact.
It is important to make sure that the straps on the left and right of your head are at the right angle, forming a V that does not touch your ears. Likewise, the strap under your chin should be well adjusted and centred, without being so tight that it becomes uncomfortable. You should therefore not be able to fit more than one finger between your chin and the buckle.
For a fun and safe summer, remember to obey the rules of the road and to always wear your helmet when cycling! Also remember that it is important to warm up before any physical activity and to stay well hydrated at all times.
Of course, since no one is safe from accidents, being trained in first aid can also make a big difference. To learn at your own pace with our 100% online courses —> Our courses.
Article written by Arnaud Korth and Émilie Bédard.
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