Final Fitting:

A. Does your helmet fit right? Open 

your mouth wide...big yawn! The helmet 

should pull down on your head. If not, refer 

back to step 5 and tighten the chin strap.

B. Does your helmet rock back more than two fingers 

above the eyebrows? If so, unbuckle and shorten the 

front strap by moving the slider forward. Buckle and 

retighten the chin strap, and test again.

C. Does your helmet rock forward into your eyes? If so, 

unbuckle and tighten the back strap by moving the 

slider back toward the ear. Buckle and retighten the 

chin strap, and test again.

D. Roll the rubber band down to the buckle. All four straps 

must go through the rubber band and be close to the 

buckle to prevent the buckle from slipping.

Size:

Measure your head to find your 

size. Try on several helmets in 

your size until one feels right. 

Now put the helmet level on your 

head and adjust the sizing pads 

or fit ring until the helmet is snug. 

Buy it. Fit it. Wear it.

EVERY RIDE!

The Proper Helmet Fit

Helmets come in various sizes, just like hats. Size 

can vary between manufacturers. Follow the steps 

to fit a helmet properly. It may take time to ensure a 

proper helmet fit, but your life is worth it. It’s usually 

easier to look in the mirror or have someone else 

adjust the straps. For the most comprehensive list 

of helmet sizes according to manufacturers, go the 

Bicycle Helmet Safety Institute (BHSI) Web site at: 

www.bhsi.org/.

Fitting Your 

Bike Helmet

Position:

The helmet should sit level on your 

head and low on your forehead—

one or two finger-widths above 

your eyebrow.

STEP 1

Side Straps: 

Adjust the slider on both straps 

to form a “V” shape under, and 

slightly in front of, the ears. Lock 

the slider if possible.

Buckles:

Center the left buckle under the 

chin. On most helmets, the straps 

can be pulled from the back of the 

helmet to lengthen or shorten the 

chin straps. This task is easier if 

you take the helmet off to make 

these adjustments.

Chin Strap:

Buckle your chin strap. Tighten the strap 

until it is snug, so that no more than one 

or two fingers fit under the strap.

STEP 2

STEP 3

STEP 4

STEP 5

STEP 6
8019-050212-v2

Replace a Helmet.

Replace your helmet when it has been in a crash; damage 

is not always visible.

Buy/Fit the Helmet For Now.

Buy a helmet that fits your head now, not a helmet to 

“grow into.”

Ensure Helmet Comfort.

If you buy a helmet that you find comfortable and 

attractive, you are more likely to wear it. Readjust as 

necessary to ensure the helmet fits properly each ride.

Cover Your Forehead.

Adjust the helmet fitting based on your helmet first being 

in the correct position, level on the head and low on your 

forehead. 

Adjust Straps Until Snug. 

Both the side and chin straps need to be snug. 

Avoid Helmet Rocking. 

Your helmet should not rock forward or backward, or 

side to side on your head. 

If your helmet rocks more than an inch, go back to step 

6, and readjust.

Be a “Roll” Model for Safe Behavior

Everyone — adult and child — should wear a bicycle 

helmet each time they ride. Wearing a helmet each ride 

can encourage the same smart behavior in others.

Helmet Certification

Bicycle helmets sold in the U.S. must meet the standards 

issued by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission 

(CPSC). Look for the certification label inside the helmet.

DOT HS 811 568

April 2012

Helmet Laws

More children ages 5-14 go to emergency rooms for bicycle-related 

injuries than with any other sport; many are head injuries. As a 

result, many States and local jurisdictions have child bicycle helmet 

laws to increase and better ensure the safety of children when 

bicycling. See: www.helmets.org/mandator.htm.

Like car crashes, bicycle crashes can happen at any time, involving 

not only children, but adults, many of whom are skilled riders. In 

fact, middle-age adults represent the average age of bicycle riders 

killed and injured. 

Helmets are the single most effective piece of safety equipment for 

riders of all ages, if you crash. Everyone should choose to wear a 

helmet; it just makes sense!

side 

strap

side 

strap

chin strap

chin strap

buckle

buckle

For more information on 

bicycle safety, visit the National 

Highway Traffic Safety 

Administration Web site at: 

www.nhtsa.dot.gov/bicycles