Why Wear A Helmet?

2 minute read.

While 21 states require minors to wear helmets when riding a bike, there is no state law that requires adults to do so. Sadly, the latest traffic safety facts published by the US Department of Transportation reveals an astounding 45,000 cyclists were injured in traffic with 818 reported fatalities in just one year. One way to protect yourself from injury is to wear a helmet whenever you ride, whether the law requires you to do so or not. 
The number one reason to wear a helmet when riding your bike is to protect your head and brain - The US department of Transportation points out that, over the course of the past few years, only 17 percent of fatally injured cyclist we actually wearing helmets - What??? why so low? They go on to say that if a cyclist wears a helmet, they reduce the chance of head injury by 50 percent and their chance of head, face and neck injury by 33 percent. ​So, why are so my riders not wearing helmets? Vanity, comfort or they just don't think they will be the one to get hit because they ride on the offense. Cars and drivers do not care if you think you're riding on the offense it only takes 1 person, 1 rock, 1 text or sand to cause you to go down and seriously injure yourself or die.
 
The fast few years new technology has emerged and almost everyone has certainly heard about MIPS.  The Stockholm, Sweden based company with the same name was founded in 2001 and has one product: the MIPS Brain Protection System, which separates a helmet's shell and liner with a low friction layer that's designed to reduce rotational forces on the brain caused by angled impacts to the head during a crash. More and more brands like Fox, Bell and Giro are increasingly using MIPS in all their helmets from kids, to mountain, road and full faced helmets. 
 
What is MIPS? MIPs stands for - Multi-Directional Impact Protection System - In a crash, the outer shell of a MIPS helmet absorbs linear impact, while the inner layer rotates up to 5mm, absorbing rotational impact. This small rotation of the liner relative to the shell results in a reduction of impact to the brain, which will reduce the possibility of a concussion and other brain injuries. ​
Keep in mind although cars will be able to see you during the day, you'll be almost invisible to them at night. Some helmets come with built in reflectors that will help oncoming traffic see you from a distance, others helmets are designed to mount a headlight on them or they will come with built in lights. Be sure to have as much reflective items, bright lights on your head, bike and your body. Make it easy for motorists to see you - After reading these stats I will be wearing a helmet on every ride for sure. Be safe!
Back to blog

Got questions? We'd love to chat!

Reach us Monday-Saturday 9-6 PST


Store Hours: Monday-Saturday 10:00 am - 6:00 pm
Find a Bicycle Warehouse Store Near You!

  • Introducing the Specialized Stumpjumper 15 trail mountain bike

    Introducing the Specialized Stumpjumper 15

    The Specialized Stumpjumper 15: Your Ultimate Trail Companion When it comes to trail riding, the Specialized Stumpjumper series has been a staple in the mountain biking community for years. Renowned...

    Introducing the Specialized Stumpjumper 15

    The Specialized Stumpjumper 15: Your Ultimate Trail Companion When it comes to trail riding, the Specialized Stumpjumper series has been a staple in the mountain biking community for years. Renowned...

  • New Bike Day: San Diego Bike Shop

    New Bike Day: Unleashing the Thrill of Your Ult...

    Doug was looking for a bike that will provide him with comfortable yet hard exercise. He found it with the Specialized Sirrus 5.0 X.  Adrian picked up his brand new...

    New Bike Day: Unleashing the Thrill of Your Ult...

    Doug was looking for a bike that will provide him with comfortable yet hard exercise. He found it with the Specialized Sirrus 5.0 X.  Adrian picked up his brand new...

  • New Bike Day, San Diego and Temecula E-Bikes & Mountain Bikes

    Celebrating Fresh New Bikes, July 2024

    There’s something uniquely exhilarating about New Bike Day—it’s like a holiday for cycling enthusiasts! Whether you're a seasoned rider or just starting your cycling journey, getting a new bike is...

    Celebrating Fresh New Bikes, July 2024

    There’s something uniquely exhilarating about New Bike Day—it’s like a holiday for cycling enthusiasts! Whether you're a seasoned rider or just starting your cycling journey, getting a new bike is...

  • Giant Compact Road Bike Design

    Giant's Compact Road Bike Design

    The world's first Compact Road frame is introduced and ridden by the ONCE ProTour team. With a dramatically sloping toptube and a compact rear triangle, the new design increases rigidity,...

    Giant's Compact Road Bike Design

    The world's first Compact Road frame is introduced and ridden by the ONCE ProTour team. With a dramatically sloping toptube and a compact rear triangle, the new design increases rigidity,...

1 of 4