Some cyclists think that bike helmets are useless, a waste of money. Others see them as essential head protective gears. But are bicycle helmets worth it?
Bicycle helmets employ advanced technology and quality materials to protect the head and face from crash-related injuries. Additionally, they boost your on-road visibility and head comfort.
We’ll explore all these helmet benefits in this post.
But before that, did you know that 75% of cyclist deaths occur on urban roads?
Well, that’s according to a 2019 finding by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Even though this statistic worries, what worries more is that most deaths are preventable, and it starts with wearing a cycling helmet.
Now, let’s dig deeper to understand why cycling helmets are not a waste of money.
In a hurry, below are 4 most comfortable and safest bicycle helmets on the market:
- GROTTICO Adult Bike Helmet – Safest Adult Mountain Bike Helmet
- Giro Isode Adult Cycling Helmet – Safest Adult Road Bike Helmet
- Bell Richter Youth Helmet – Safest Youth Bike Helmet
- Schwinn Infant Bike Helmet – Safest Infant Bike Helmet
Are Bicycle Helmets Worth It? Are Bike Helmets Really Necessary?
Here are top reasons why bicycle helmets are a huge investment:
1. Bicycle Helmets Offer Head ad Brain Protection
According to a 2017 review by the International Journal of Epidemiology, helmets considerably reduce the risk of head injury.
Even though the analysis doesn’t conclude that a helmet entirely eliminates the risk of a fatal head injury, it lowers the prospects significantly.
And according to the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accident (ROSPA), 45% of kids’ cyclists and 40% of adult cyclists suffer head injuries.
Though ROSPA recognizes that helmets don’t guarantee survival after a crash, they see them as an essential safety feature for reducing the risk and preventing brain and head injuries.
Another study by Cochrane shows that helmets can reduce the risk of brain and head injuries by 65-88%.
Meanwhile, a study by the American Journal of Study shows that helmets reduce the risk of traumatic brain injury by not only 51% but also mortality by 44%.
But why am I bringing up all these studies?
That’s to show you that there is evidence from multiple sources to back the helmet’s effectiveness.
You can count on cycling helmets for maximum head protection and lower the risk of brain injury and concussions.
2. Bicycle Helmets Offer Facial Protection
If I can also refer to the Cochrane Study I mentioned earlier, helmets can prevent injuries to the face by 65%. So, it’s not just about protecting the head and brain but the face too.
And according to the American Journal of Study, helmets reduce the risk of facial fractures during a crash by 31%.
Note that even though injuries to the face are not as fatal as head injuries, they can be painful. Moreover, they could disfigure your face, and the rectification can be costlier.
So, it’s better to prevent them with a helmet.
3. Bike Helmets Protect Against Bad Weather
A good helmet also protects you from terrible weather. The fact that a helmet covers the head means it shields you against the rain and direct sunshine.
So many helmets come with detachable visors which protect your eyes from the rain and the sun’s U.V rays.
By doing so, the visor component allows you to continue cycling in the rain and under the hot sun.
Additionally, the visor protects your eyes from dust when cycling.
4. Bicycle Helmets Boost Your On-Road Visibility
Cycling on a foggy, rainy or snowy day is risky since there is low visibility. Not only will you find it difficult to see well, but also motorists may not see you.
Interestingly, cycling helmets can solve both problems.
Most helmets feature reflective strips that allow motorists to see you from a distance. Others have built-in rear lights to illuminate your path and help motorists see you when there is low visibility.
Furthermore, given that most helmets are colorful, they are noticeable from afar.
5. Bicycle Helmets Keep the Head Comfortable
It’s generally uncomfortable to cycle on a chilly day as your head feels the most impact. Fortunately, a helmet puts a shield around your head to protect you from the excessive cold.
It also protects you from soaking wet in case of rain. And when it’s too hot, the helmet’s ventilation system facilitates excellent air supply around your head.
So, in the end, a helmet keeps you dry, warm, and comfortable.
Other Benefits of Bicycle Helmets
While the discussed benefits are principal, they are not the only reason you should get a bike helmet.
Here are other noteworthy reasons:
- Set a good example to the kids – Children learn a lot from adults, especially their parents. So, if you want your kid always to wear a helmet, you have to lead by example. They’ll be the first ones to remind you when you forget to wear the headgear.
- Show you are a law-abiding citizen – You are required to wear a helmet on most urban roads. Failure to oblige with the statute could cost you a few hundreds of dollars or something worse. Therefore, instead of taking the risk, wear a helmet.
- Save on expensive medical bills – Head and brain injuries are not cheap to treat. Facial disfigure is also costly to correct. To avoid incurring such costs, consider wearing a helmet.
- Helmets make you stylish – This may not mean much to many people, but it counts for something for those who want to appear stylish on a two-wheel. If you have a fashionable bike, it makes sense to get an equally fashionable helmet.
FAQs
1. Do Cycle Helmets Make A Difference?
Most expensive helmets are all about safety, comfort, convenience, and durability. Thus, they offer you value for your money.
Note, however, that there are a few cheap helmets that serve you just fine.
It’s just that there are fewer reliable, cheaper helmets than expensive ones.
2. Are Bicycle Helmets Useless?
Though bicycle helmets can sometimes feel uncomfortable on the head, they aren’t useless. Far from it, they protect your head, brain, and facial features from crash-related injuries.
Plus, they improve your on-road visibility and keep you warm and comfortable.
3. What Makes Bike Helmets So Expensive?
Bike helmets are primarily expensive because they feature high-quality materials and employ the best technology to offer you better comfort and fit.
Their certification is often expensive, and so is the marketing, and all these factors make them expensive.
4. Is It Safer To Wear A Cycling Helmet Or Not?
A cycling helmet is your head’s first line of defense.
So, it’s the first thing to receive the hit in case of a crash, protecting your head and face.
Without a doubt, you are much safer cycling with a helmet on your head than without it.
5. Is It Worth Wearing A Cycle Helmet?
A cycling helmet offers your head and face protection when you crash or fall off the bike. It reduces the risk of head and brain injury and facial disfigure.
Moreover, it protects your head and face from bad weather, thus worth it.
6. Does Wearing A Cycle Helmet Save Lives?
Studies show that helmets reduce the risk of head and brain injuries. As a result, they significantly prevent death on the spot or later in life due to complications.
7. Is It Against The Law Not To Wear A Cycle Helmet?
Most states expect you to wear a cycling helmet on urban roads. Failure to do so may cost you.
For that reason, confirm from your local authority if it’s illegal not to wear it. But since it protects your head and face, you are much safer wearing it even when the law doesn’t oblige you.
8. Are Cheap Helmets Safe?
You can tell a safe helmet from its certification and not its price.
Helmets with the CPSC sticker usually are tested and certified to be safe.
So, provided that a cheap helmet has the safety sticker, you can trust it.
9. Why Should You Not Wear A Helmet?
Some people argue that helmets feel heavy and uncomfortable on the head. Others complain that it improves the risk of a head injury, which I can’t entirely agree with.
I think that a helmet is the best form of head protection for a cyclist. It protects your head and face from injuries when you crash or fall.
10. Do Bike Helmets Expire?
Helmets expire after you crash as their effectiveness significantly reduces. But overall, helmets have a 5-10 year lifespan, depending on usage.
So, the more you use a helmet, the sooner you should replace it.
Also Read: Why Don’t Road Bike Helmets Have Visors
11. What Are The Safest Bicycle Helmets?
Here are the most comfortable and safest bicycle helmets on the market:
- GROTTICO Adult Bike Helmet – Safest Adult Mountain Bike Helmet
- Giro Isode Adult Cycling Helmet – Safest Adult Road Bike Helmet
- Bell Richter Youth Helmet – Safest Youth Bike Helmet
- Schwinn Infant Bike Helmet – Safest Infant Bike Helmet
12. How Much Does A Helmet Cost?
The average budget cycling helmet cost $20-$50. Decent choices, however, which offers you more comfort and durability, cost about $80-$150, and high-end options cost you up to $250 or more.
To Sum Things Up, Are Bicycle Helmets Worth It?
If you care for your safety on the road, a cycling helmet is worth it. It offers your head unmatched protection, keeps you visible on the road, and shields you from the bad weather.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it really worth wearing bike helmets?
Indeed, bike helmets are unquestionably worth the investment. It’s not a hyperbole to say that a helmet can make the difference between life and death during a cycling accident. Studies show that using a helmet can decrease the risk of serious head injury by almost 70 percent. Though, it’s crucial to remember that helmets aren’t invincible. Once they’ve absorbed the shock of a crash, their protective capabilities are substantially decreased. Hence, every cyclist must reassess the condition of their helmet after an accident and replace it immediately if necessary, even if the damage is not visible, to ensure ongoing safety while cycling.
Do expensive bike helmets offer more protection than the cheaper ones?
It could be very tempting to think that shelling out more money for a helmet would offer you better protection. The reality, however, paints a different picture. Research has demonstrated that the fundamental impact protection – the primary purpose of a helmet – offered by budget-friendly helmets is at par with their pricier counterparts. Spending more on a helmet could simply mean you’re paying extra for non-essential features like simpler adjustability, additional ventilation, and stylish graphics]. Hence, when it comes to safety, you need not always opt for the expensive helmets. Instead, choose one that fits you well and meets safety standards.
How effective are bicycle safety helmets?
In no uncertain terms, bicycle helmets are tremendously effective at reducing the risks associated with cycling. Helmets are specifically designed to provide a barrier between your head and any potential impact, thereby decreasing the likelihood of severe or even fatal damage. This crucial piece of safety equipment has been scientifically proven to decrease head injury by 48%, serious head injury by 60%, traumatic brain injury by 53%, and face injury by 23%. Moreover, the overall number of cyclists who have either lost their lives or been seriously injured drops by 34% when helmets are worn. These compelling figures underline the vital role helmets play in keeping cyclists safe.
Do helmets really serve their purpose?
Yes, helmets are highly useful and play an important role in individual safety, especially in activities with high injury risk like cycling, motorcycling, or sports. However, it is worth noting that simply wearing a helmet is not enough – you must still endeavor to minimize the risk of hitting your head. While it’s impossible to find a helmet that’s completely concussion-proof, a good quality helmet significantly reduces the risk of severe brain or head injury. A helmet has a crucial role in safeguarding the wearer from catastrophic harm, making it an indispensable part of safe cycling practices.