There’s lots of hype surrounding Fashion Weeks around the world, but who would have thought there were hot trends in bicycle helmets?
“Bicycle Helmets for the 2009 Season” is a report issued by the Bicycle Helmet Safety Institute, a volunteer-staffed, consumer-funded group that gathers a TON of information about bicycle helmets. They look at safety features, fit, materials, cost and style and report their findings to consumers. The information is FREE and exhaustive!
2009 trends in bicycle helmets
- A rounder, smoother and more compact look to many helmets, with no sacrifice in safety. BHSI reports that the more elongated, pointed models are going out of style. Look for a helmet that’s going to slide as smoothly as possible.
- Decent impact ratings are found for economy helmets, but you may give up a comfortable fit. Cheap helmets cut costs by offering a “ring fit” system that doesn’t work for everyone, you could call it “One size fits MOST.” Mid-priced helmets offer the best balance of fit and economy.
- A move away from high-cost materials. Expensive substances don’t pay off in comfort, necessarily. Helmets constructed from carbon fiber or Kevlar don’t weigh significantly less than plastic helmets. In the 2009 economy, BHSI reports it unlikely that consumers are going to pay for the dubious benefits of a titanium or other fancy-material helmet.
Find YOUR helmet
The BHSI independently tests bike helmets and offers specific model and maker recommendations for all kinds of conditions – from the depth of your wallet to the type of riding that you do. They even recommend models for people with narrow heads!
According to the New York State Department of Transportation, a bicycle helmet must fit in two ways:
It SHOULD fit squarely on top of the head in a level position and cover the top of the forehead extending down to about an inch above the eyebrows.
The helmet SHOULD NOT slide back and forth on the head or rock from side to side.
No matter where you ride, or what size hat you wear, here’s to finding your family the best safety equipment out there.
Thanks for reading,
Jim
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James B. Reed, Esq.
New York & Pennsylvania Bike Accident Lawyer
Ziff Law Firm, LLP
303 William St., Elmira, NY 14902
Tel. (607) 733-8866 Fax. (607) 732-6062
Toll Free 1-800-943-3529
mailto:jreed@zifflaw.com http://www.zifflaw.com
