How to Make Your Bike Helmet Fit Correctly

Terribly wrong.While strapping on a brain bucket isn't a surefire route to safety—smarter streets and dedicated cycling infrastructure make a much greater positive impact on bike safety than whatever equipment the rider is using—there's no denying that in crashes, falls, and collisions, wearing a helmet can reduce one's chance of serious head injury. But you also need to make sure it fits properly and that you're wearing the thing correctly.First, make sure the helmet is not backward. Also, most helmets have a plastic stabilizer on the back that the strap threads through, as well as a rotating knob for adjusting the snugness of the fit. The strap should feel slightly snug against your jaw when you open your mouth.Next, tighten the helmet to fit your head. And yes, you'll usually need to loosen that knob to get the helmet off—another signal that you've arrived at a proper fit.Lastly, let's go back to the strap. If it can slide the helmet more than an inch backward, tighten the straps in front of your ears.Check that your helmet still fits correctly before each ride.