Children should be careful to take their helmets off once they stop riding or skating, however. Helmet straps may choke or seriously injure children if they wear helmets while playing. Certain communities in New York State have passed local ordinances regarding helmet use for bicyclists. For example, Rockland and Erie Counties require all people riding bicycles on county property, regardless of age, to wear an approved bicycle helmet. Every bicyclist or in-line skater, regardless of age, should wear an approved helmet.
Helmets significantly reduce the risk of sustaining a serious head injury.
A helmet should fit squarely on top of the head in a level position and cover the top of the forehead extending down to about an inch above the eyebrows. The helmet should not be able to slide back and forth on the head or rock from side to side. In the event of a crash, helmets should be replaced immediately, even if there is no apparent damage. A brake that is capable of making the bike tires skid on dry level pavement. A bell, horn or other device that can be heard at least 100 feet away.