Whether you're biking to school, skateboarding with friends, or enjoying a scooter ride around the block, there's one piece of gear that should always come along for the ride: your helmet.
It’s not just for kids. It’s not just for long rides. A properly fitted helmet is one of the easiest and most effective ways to protect your brain in the event of a fall or crash—no matter your age or how short the trip.
Why Helmets Are a Must
Your brain is the command centre for everything you do—thinking, moving, speaking, and more. When you fall or get hit in a collision, a helmet helps absorb the impact and reduce the risk of serious injuries like concussions, skull fractures, or worse.
Here’s the reality:
- Most head injuries in bike crashes happen without helmets.
- Wearing a helmet can reduce the risk of serious head injury by up to 85%.
- Falls, not just car collisions, are the leading cause of biking-related injuries.
- In Ontario, it's the law: Anyone under 18 must wear a helmet when cycling.
That’s why every ride, every time, a helmet should be on your head before your feet hit the pedals.
Tips for a Perfect Fit
Wearing a helmet is good—but wearing it properly is even better. Here's how to make sure your helmet fits the way it should:
The 2-2-1 Rule:
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2 fingers above your eyebrows – The helmet should sit level and low on your forehead.
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2 straps form a “V” under each ear – The side straps should sit snugly under and slightly in front of your ears.
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1 finger under the chin strap – Tighten the strap so only one finger can fit beneath it.
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Other tips:
Check for snugness: Shake your head gently. The helmet shouldn't wobble or slide around.
Replace damaged or outgrown helmets: A cracked or crushed helmet won’t protect you properly. Replace it after a hard impact—even if it looks okay on the outside.
Setting a Good Example
Kids are more likely to wear helmets if adults do too. Parents, older siblings, and caregivers: make helmet safety a family rule. When everyone wears one, it sends the message that protecting your head is important, no matter your age.
Helmets Aren’t Just for Bikes
Don’t forget to wear a helmet for:
- Skateboarding
- Inline skating
- Scooters (both electric and manual)
- Skiing and snowboarding
- Horseback riding
If wheels (or speed) are involved, a helmet should be too.
Make It Fun
Let kids choose their helmet design so they’ll be more excited to wear it. Many come in cool colours and themes—everything from dinosaurs to glitter. Reflective stickers and lights can also help with visibility and add a bit of fun.
Share the Road
Whether you're biking, driving, or walking, we all play a part in keeping our roads safe. Stay alert, be predictable, and show respect for others on the move.
Click here to read our top road-sharing tips for riders and drivers alike.
A Final Thought
Wearing a helmet doesn’t mean you’re planning to fall—it means you’re planning to stay safe just in case. It only takes one second to put one on, and that second could make all the difference.
So before your next ride, do a quick helmet check—and keep your brain safe for all the adventures ahead.
Ontario