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It is mandatory to wear a bicycle helmet, with the retention straps fastened, while riding on roads or paths, and also highly recommended when using mountain bike trails.
This rule applies not only to the rider, but also to children sitting on a carrier seat or being towed in a trailer.
Because helmets are a necessary piece of equipment, plenty of time should be taken to find the most appropriate style and fit. Look for a model that meets Australian Standard 2063, is lightweight and has plenty of ventilation holes to allow airflow.
Head shape and size differ greatly so try a number of styles, brands etc, and choose a helmet with an internal shape that closely matches your dimensions. |
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Don't rely on the adhesive pads to take up the slack – they should only be used to achieve a fractional fit. Try the helmet first without the pads, using your index finger to check the gap between your head and the polystyrene foam interior.
If it fits easily, the gap is probably too great – a well-fitting helmet should not move on the head when pushed. If there is a gap that varies from front to side, it indicates a mismatch between the helmet and your head shape.
Once you have chosen your helmet, don’t wear it resting too high on the forehead. As a guide, the front rim should be about the width of two fingers above the eyebrows.
Getting the right strap position takes a little practice – the side toggles on the straps should be adjusted so that they sit just under the ears.
During the warmer months, women in particular are concerned about getting so-called “helmet hair”, caused by the shell compressing their locks.
Hairdressers often suggest a shorter cut with unstructured layers for clients who cycle regularly. Chemically relaxing may also create a more wash-and-wear style.
For longer hair, ladies might try blow-drying after a shower using a round brush, before applying a gel and then a volumiser to reduce “fly-away”. This can be followed by a brush through with a heavy paddle and a comb to finish.
A good tip for keeping curls from being crushed is to pile the hair on top of the head, holding it place with one hand, while putting the helmet on top with the other. When arriving at the destination, the curls are simply shaken loose.
A bicycle helmet should be replaced every five years or so because the foam can deteriorate over time. It is also wise to replace a helmet that has received an impact because the foam may have been weakened.
Helmet wearing exemption
A cyclist can apply for an exemption from wearing a helmet on medical grounds.
To obtain this exemption, the cyclist must first write to the Occupational Health Physician, C/o Department for Planning and Infrastructure, GPO Box C102 Perth 6839 giving their full name, date of birth and address, and requesting that an application form be sent to them.
Upon receipt of the application form, the cyclist must have it completed by a medical practitioner, then returned to the Department from where it will be sent to an Occupational Health Physician for approval.
If approval is granted, the cyclist will receive written confirmation and this must be kept on hand at all times while riding.
This fact sheet is one of a series dealing with the use of bicycles for recreation and transport in Western Australia. The series looks at a range of cycling-related topics including ride routes, touring tips, maintenance, safety, road rules, insurance and product reviews. See more cycling fact sheets online. |
