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Bicycle helmets are part of our every day lives – whether you’re riding, scooting, roller skating, the list goes on – and as such, they should be treated as an ongoing investment into the safety of ourselves and our children
Since the 1990s, it has been the law in all states that all cyclists must wear a helmet while riding, and in Western Australia, this also includes eRiders. Cyclists are among our most vulnerable road users, and wearing a helmet is the most effective way to prevent head and brain injuries from accidents associated with cycling.
Studies show that using bicycle helmets:
- Reduces serious head injuries by 60%
- Reduces traumatic brain injury by 53%
- Reduces the number of cyclists killed or seriously injured by 34%
But did you know that your helmet has a life span? Experts agree that helmets should be replaced every 3-5 years, and immediately after it sustains an impact or is involved in a crash.
Most people understand that a helmet should be replaced after a major impact or crash – sometimes the signs of damage are visible to the eye, such as cracks in the foam, or the shell and foam separating. Did you know that even lighter impacts can damage the padding in your helmet, and often we can’t see the signs of this? Even if the protective foam appears to maintain its shape or strength, there’s no way to be certain that it can absorb the same level of impact in a second accident.
Even the most carefully looked after helmets wear out over time. Daily use takes its toll, and UV from our beautiful Australian sun contributes to the deterioration of the shell and structure, speeding up the breakdown of vital elements such as glue, resins, and foam. Helmets that are used less frequently are just as susceptible to degradation with age. We bump into things, accidentally drop our helmets, knock it on things while carrying it – these day to day minor bumps and knocks may not leave visible traces but add up in the long run, contributing over time to impact the structural integrity of the helmet.
When replacing your safety gear, things like shape and colour often influence which helmet we choose, but our priority should be finding a helmet that is approved to Australian legal standards.
An approved helmet will carry a sticker or label to certify that is has passed strict safety measures. Make sure to look for labels similar to these:
Recently, Constable Care Foundation proudly received a grant from Lotterywest – a welcomed resource that supported the repair and replacement of our fleet of bicycles at the Safety School, as well as an entirely brand new collection of helmets.
These will enable us to keep our programs running, ensuring the Foundation is able to continue our delivery of high-quality safety and social education in the future.
Book your visit to the Safety School and don’t miss your chance to check out our new equipment!