1. Helmets Head injury is the leading cause of bicycle related death.
75% of all bike related fatalities
could be prevented with a helmet.
In Virginia, head injuries account for almost 30% of all bicycle related hospitalizations.
Helmets reduce the risk of head injury and brain injury by 85 and 88% respectively.

2. Types of Helmets Bicycle Helmets Multi-Sport Helmets
Labeled to meet at a minimum CPSC standards
Often labeled to meet higher standards (Snell, ASTM)
Multi-Sport Helmets
Should be labeled as such
Still needs to meet the CPSC standards for bicycle helmets
Skateboard Helmets
Can look like some multi-sport helmets
Do not meet the CPSC standard for bicycle helmets
Designed for different types of falls
Other Helmets (football, equestrian, motor sports)

3. Step One… Measure head for approximate size.
-Do not pick a helmet based on age but
rather size
-Helmet should fit comfortable, but be snug
-Use sizing pads to help create a good fit
-When helmet is moved, eyebrows should
move up and down

4. Step Two… -The helmet should sit level on the head
-The helmet should be two finger
widths above the eyebrow to
provide the greatest amount of
protection to the forehead/frontal lobe
-Needs to be the finger widths of the helmet wearer not the fitter

5. Step Three… -Center the left buckle under the chin
-Most straps are a continuous loop and can be pulled from the back of the helmet to lengthen or shorten the chin straps
-This is easiest done with the helmet off

6. Step Four…
-Slide the adjuster on both straps to form a “V” shape under and slightly in front of the ear
-This is very important to ensure that the helmet will stay in the proper position.

7. Step Five… -Buckle the chin strap
-No more then one or two fingers should fit under the strap

8. This is an important step that is often overlooked!!
Step Six…
-Open your mouth WIDE…
The helmet should pull down
on your head. If not tighten the
chin strap
-Does the helmet rock back more than 2 fingers above the eyebrow?
Then shorten the front straps
-Does the helmet rock forward into the eyes? Then tighten the back straps
This is an important step that is often overlooked!!

9. Step Seven…
-All four straps should go through the rubber band and be close to the buckle to prevent the buckle from slipping.

10. HANDLING BASICS
Module D

11. Hand Signals

12. Scanning
Scanning refers to looking over your shoulder to identify potential hazards
Is your head connected to your hands?
Common problem encountered
Requires quite a bit of practice for both sides
Important to try to make eye contact with motorist/pedestrian

13. Rules of the Road Drive on the right
Yield to those that arrive first: “First
Come, First Served”
Yield to crossing traffic
Yield to changing lanes
Speed Positioning: Slower drivers to the right
Intersection Positioning: approach intersections in the proper position. Always travel in the lane which the normal flow of traffic follows to your destination

14. ABC Quick Check ABC Quick Check A is Air B is for Brakes
C is for Chain
Quick is for Quick Releases
Check is for a brief slow ride