How to choose and fit a helmet

A helmet cannot prevent a crash, but a well-fitted one can reduce the severity of a head injury if you fall. The key words are “well-fitted”: a helmet that is too loose, tilted back or unbuckled gives much less protection. The fitting method below follows guidance used by road-safety bodies such as the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

Why it matters in Bangladesh

The World Health Organization notes that pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists carry a disproportionate share of road deaths in developing countries, and WHO estimates reported in Bangladeshi media put the country’s annual road deaths in the tens of thousands, with vulnerable road users making up around half. Whether or not a law requires it for cyclists, a helmet is a cheap piece of protection.

Choosing a helmet

• Look for a label inside showing it meets a recognised safety standard (for example CE EN 1078, CPSC or similar).
• Choose the right size. Measure your head just above your eyebrows with a soft tape, and compare it with the size chart on the box.
• Try it on. It should feel snug all round but never painful. Adjustable pads or a rear dial help fine-tune the fit.
• Pick a bright colour or add reflective stickers so drivers can see you.
• A good helmet has ventilation holes. In Bangladesh’s heat, they make it much more comfortable to wear.

Fitting it properly: the “eyes, ears, mouth” check

1. Eyes: put the helmet on level, not tilted back. Place two flat fingers above your eyebrows. The front rim of the helmet should sit just above your fingers.
2. Ears: adjust the side straps so they form a V just below each ear, and the V’s point sits close under the earlobe.
3. Mouth: fasten the buckle. You should be able to fit about one to two fingers between your chin and the strap: snug but not tight. Open your mouth wide. The helmet should pull down slightly on your head.
4. Shake test: shake your head from side to side and nod. The helmet should stay put and not slide over your eyes or back off your forehead.
5. Push test: push the helmet up and back with your hand. It should not move more than about a centimetre.

If you have long hair

Tie long hair in a low ponytail or braid so the helmet can sit flat on the head. A high ponytail or bun tilts the helmet back. If you wear a headscarf or hijab, choose a thin, close-fitting one, and refit the helmet over it, adjusting the pads and straps so it is still snug. Tuck loose cloth in so it cannot hang near the wheels.

Looking after your helmet

• Store it away from direct sun and heat. Do not leave it in a hot place, such as on a rooftop.
• Clean it with mild soap and water. Avoid harsh chemicals and stickers made with strong adhesives.
• Do not drop it, and do not use it as a seat or a bag.

When to replace it

• After any hard knock or crash, replace it, even if it looks fine. The foam inside is designed to absorb one impact, and may be damaged where you cannot see.
• If it is cracked, the straps are frayed or the buckle is broken, replace it.
• As a rule, many manufacturers suggest replacing helmets every three to five years, because sun, sweat and wear degrade the materials. Check the maker’s advice.