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Every year, about 250,000 children in the U.S. are treated in emergency rooms for bike-related injuries.
Wearing a bike helmet can reduce the risk of serious brain injury by up to 90% for all ages!
Who Should Wear a Helmet?
Everyone—every ride.
- Children, teens, and adults
- Riders, passengers, and kids in bike trailers
Caregivers: wearing a helmet yourself sets a good example!
When to Wear a Helmet
Wear a helmet anytime you are:
- Riding a bike
- Riding a scooter or kick-scooter
- Roller skating or rollerblading
- A passenger in a bike trailer or a caregiver’s bike
When NOT to Wear a Helmet
Do NOT wear a helmet when:
- Climbing trees
- Using playground equipment
Helmets can get caught on equipment and cause strangulation (asphyxiation).
Infant Safety
Babies under 12 months old should NOT ride as bike passengers, even in trailers.
How to Choose a Helmet
- Look for a CPSC safety label (meets U.S. safety standards)
- Choose one that feels comfortable
- Let your child pick the color or design—they’re more likely to wear it!
How to Get the Right Fit
Use the “2–V–1 Rule”:
- 2 fingers: Helmet sits 2 fingers above the eyebrows
- V shape: Straps form a “V” under each ear
- 1 finger: Strap is snug—1 finger fits under the chin strap
Image 1: The correct and incorrect ways to wear a bike helmet.
Additional tips
- Helmet should sit level on the head (not tilted back)
- It should feel snug and not move side-to-side
- Avoid thick hats / thick fabric under the helmet – it prevents a snug fit
Check the fit regularly—kids grow quickly!
When to Replace a Helmet
Replace the helmet:
- After any crash or fall (even if it looks fine)
- If it is cracked, damaged, or has missing parts
- If it no longer fits properly
- Every 3-5 years because old helmets are not as safe (even if they look fine!)
- Wear bright or reflective clothing (this helps car drivers see you)
- Use a front light and rear reflector when riding at dusk or night
- Ride in safe areas and follow traffic rules
- Adults should supervise younger children
- For more detailed bike helmet safety information, visit CDC’s ‘Heads Up’ bike helmet safety fact sheet.
This information is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to replace the advice of your health care providers. If you have any questions, talk with your doctor or others on your health care team.
If you are a Gillette patient with urgent questions or concerns, please contact the Nurse Help Line at 651-229-3890.
