The crucial importance of wearing a helmet when cycling: why every cyclist should wear one
When you ride your bike, whether on paved roads or steep mountain trails, one fundamental question arises: are you wearing a helmet? This simple precaution can make all the difference between a pleasant ride and a tragic accident. Unfortunately, unlike other countries, the law in Quebec does not explicitly require cyclists to wear a helmet, which makes it a personal choice. However, even without the legal requirement, the reasons for wearing a helmet are extremely compelling. C-24.2, r. 6 – Protective helmets regulation
Why wearing a helmet is so crucial?
- Australia : Helmets are mandatory for all cyclists of all ages in most states.
- New-Zeland : All cyclists must wear a helmet, regardless of age.
- Spain : Helmet use is mandatory outside urban areas for cyclists under 16, and recommended for cyclists over this age.
- Finland : Helmet use is mandatory for those under 15.
- Sweden : Le port du casque est obligatoire pour les enfants jusqu’à 15 ans lorsqu’ils font du vélo.
- Canada (some provinces) : For example, in Ontario and British Columbia, helmets are mandatory for all cyclists. In Quebec, between January 1, 2010 and December 31, 2019, head injuries contributed to 60.8% (118/194) of deaths related to a transport incident among cyclists, which corresponds to an average of 12 deaths per year ( Source : Institut national de santé publique du Québec ). In Quebec, wearing a bicycle helmet is voluntary except in the city of Sherbrooke where it has been mandatory for those under 18 since March 2011.
Protection against serious injuries
The statistics are clear: wearing a helmet significantly reduces the risk of serious head injuries in the event of a fall or collision. In road cycling, where speeds can be high, and mountain biking, where terrain is rough, the head is particularly exposed. A properly fitted helmet can absorb some of the impact and protect your skull and brain from serious damage.
Advanced technologies for maximum protection
Helmet manufacturers such as SMITH, POC et SPECIALIZED have developed or use advanced technologies to improve cyclist safety:
- MIPS (Multi-Directional Impact Protection System) : Integrated into some helmet models, this system helps reduce rotational forces on the brain in the event of an angled impact, providing additional protection against brain injuries. This system was developed to reduce rotational forces on the brain during an angled impact, which can help reduce the risk of concussions and other traumatic brain injuries.
- MIPS is designed to allow the helmet to slide slightly over the head during an angled impact, reducing rotational forces transmitted to the brain. These rotational forces can be particularly damaging and are often associated with concussions.
- Several clinical studies and independent research have evaluated the effectiveness of MIPS. For example, a study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine concluded that MIPS helmets significantly reduce the risk of traumatic brain injuries in cyclists compared to traditional helmets.
- While precise figures may vary depending on the study and the type of impact, manufacturers like MIPS generally report a significant reduction in the risk of traumatic brain injuries through the use of their technology. Some reports suggest a reduction of up to 50% in rotational forces transmitted to the brain during an impact.
- MIPS technology is widely recognized and adopted by many bicycle helmet manufacturers, a testament to its perceived effectiveness and acceptance in the industry.
- ANGI (Angular and G-Force Indicator) :
Developed by Specialized, ANGi is a helmet-integrated sensor that detects impacts and sends an alert to emergency contacts via a mobile app. This device improves crash response by transforming the helmet into a crash sensor. It measures impact and rotational forces during a collision and automatically sends information to your emergency contacts if necessary, ensuring continuous protection before, during, and after an incident.
- Advanced Design and Materials: Modern helmets are designed to be lightweight, ventilated, and comfortable while providing optimal protection. Materials like reinforced polycarbonate and Kevlar are used to absorb and disperse impact energy. For example, KOROYD® is an innovative protective material used in some bicycle helmets and protective gear. Designed to provide maximum protection while being lightweight and well-ventilated, KOROYD® features a hexagonal tube structure that effectively absorbs and disperses impact energy.
In the following situations bicycle helmet is no longer safe anymore :
Well, of course, we know that..! A helmet that is 15 years old or older may seem “correct” even after several years, and it’s always better to wear one than not to wear one at all! But manufacturers don’t guarantee its full protection simply because the helmet has aged, and its materials can deteriorate over time. The protective foam, straps, and shell can lose their effectiveness, which significantly reduces the level of safety offered. It is therefore crucial to replace your helmet regularly to ensure optimal protection in the event of a fall or accident.
- After an impact or accident.
- If it has cracks, deformation, or missing parts.
- After prolonged use according to the manufacturer’s recommendations (generally 3 to 5 years).
- If the straps or retention system are not functioning properly.
To ensure optimal protection, it is essential to replace your helmet if any of these conditions are encountered.
KOROYD® represents a significant advancement in protective material technology, offering a unique combination of lightweight, ventilation, and energy-absorbing performance. It is widely adopted by high-performance helmet manufacturers to provide optimal protection for cyclists and other athletes.
Let’s imagine a typical situation during a mountain bike ride: a cyclist is speeding down a steep, rugged trail. Suddenly, a hidden root or unseen rock on the trail causes him to lose its balance. In an instant, the cyclist is thrown from his bike and violently hits his head on the rocky ground.
In this case, wearing a mountain bike helmet could mean the difference between a minor injury and a serious or even fatal one…
- Impact Absorption : The helmet collapses in a controlled manner to disperse impact energy, reducing the forces transmitted to the head. MIPS technology absorbs a significant portion of the initial impact.
- Skull Protection : By protecting the head from direct impacts and abrasions, the helmet helps prevent serious injuries such as skull fractures, traumatic brain injuries, or even neck injuries.
- Consciousness Maintenance : In the event of a fall, a properly fitted helmet can prevent or reduce the risk of loss of consciousness due to a severe impact. This allows the rider to remain conscious and ensure their own safety by calling for help if necessary. The ANGi sensor (patented in the US) calls for help when you can’t. It does this by connecting with your Specialized Ride app for iOS or Android devices. And if it detects a crash, it triggers a countdown that you can stop if you’re okay.
- Long-term risk reduction : Even in the event of a fall without immediate loss of consciousness, unprotected head trauma can have serious long-term health consequences, including neurological disorders.
Helmets equipped with technologies like KOROYD® or MIPS absorb the initial impact, reducing the forces transmitted to the head. They protect against direct impacts and abrasions, preventing serious injuries like skull fractures or traumatic brain injuries. A properly fitted helmet helps maintain consciousness after a severe crash, allowing the rider to stay alert and ensure their own safety.
