Here are some tips to help you select a helmet and wear it safely. There are two U.S. performance standards for bicycle helmets, the 1984 American National Standards Institute and the more stringent Snell Memorial Foundation standard , established by the family of a bicycle-accident victim. If you crash at high speed on a rough surface, helmets with a hard shell or thin shell provide better protection than cloth or no-shell helmets. All these types provide good impact protection. Buy a bright color for visibility.
Proper fit is imperative for safety.
Adjust straps so the helmet fits level on your head, touching all around. Once it is strapped on, you should not be able to pull it off, no matter how hard you try or which way you turn or twist it. Head shapes vary, so shop around. Go to a bicycle shop with a knowledgeable salesperson who can help with fit and strap adjustments.