Bicycling can reduce the risk of coronary heart disease, stroke and other diseases as well as helping stay fit. Bicycling can be dangerous if people are not careful, especially children. Each year about 300 children are killed, and more than 400,000 go to emergency rooms due to bicycle injuries. Children between ages 5 and 15 have the highest injury rate of all bicycle riders. The most severe injuries are those to the head.
Most brain injuries are irreversible.
Using bike helmets can reduce head injuries by up to 85 percent. In order to maximize the benefits of bicycle helmets, you need to make sure the helmet meets safety standards and is worn properly. A helmet should cover the top of the individuals forehead, be level from front to back and fit snugly. It should not rock back and forth or side to side when worn. Many helmets come with removable foam pads to customize the fit.