Going for that ride? Make helmet safety a priority

Whether you are riding a bike, e-scooter, skateboard or rollerblading, one item should always come with you: a properly fitted helmet.

Every year, thousands of Canadians are seriously injured in preventable crashes. Wearing a helmet can reduce the risk of serious head and brain injuries by up to 85%.

In Ontario, anyone under the age of 18 is legally required to wear a Canadian Standards Association (CSA) approved helmet when cycling or riding an e-bike. In addition, riders must be 16 years of age to operate an e-scooter. Helmets also must be worn by children riding in bike trailers or carriers.

To ensure a proper fit for your helmet, use the 2V1 Shake, Shake, Shake Rule:

• 2: The helmet should sit two fingers above your eyebrow to the bottom of your helmet
• V: Make sure straps make a “V” shape around the bottom of your ears
• 1: Ensure there is only one finger that can fit under the chin strap
• Shake, shake, shake your head up and down and side to side to ensure a snug fit

Avoid wearing hats, headphones or high ponytails under your helmet and never use a secondhand helmet with missing parts.

Adults are powerful role models, with research showing that 98% of children will wear a helmet if their adult riding companions are wearing one. Safety is a shared responsibility. Let’s model safe behaviour for our children. 

Learn more about helmet safety by watching the video below or by visiting york.ca/CyclingSafety