Bicycles have been with us a long time, and consequently, head injuries caused by bicycle collisions. Early bicycle helmets were little more than decorative head gear, strips of leather bound around the head with wool rings for the strips at the top. The preliminary bike helmets did little to protect against head injuries, but they did keep the wearer from scraping the ears on pavement in a fall. By the 1970's cyclists began to perceive that head injuries were the most serious consequence of bicycle accidents, and the hunt for the ideal bicycle helmet was underway. Bell introduced a lightweight helmet with a hard Lexan shell and a full EPS liner. The Bell bicycle helmets were quickly copied by other manufacturing companies.

The Bicycle Helmets Evolution

Since the early nineteen eighties, bicycle and helmet safety awareness has evolved greatly. With a staggering ninety seven percent of all bicycle deaths reported as the result of head injuries, bicycle helmets have created an enormous industry. To accustom small children to the safety features of bicycle helmets, Bell developed another new concept; the toddler bicycle helmet. To make the helmet lighter, the outer shell was dropped, producing a thick EPS layered bicycle helmet that was highly protective. The technology gave the idea to a designer named Jim Gents to create a light weight adult helmet with air vents and no outer later shell. The Giro bicycle helmets became an instant success and Giro began selling large quantities of bicycle helmets to racers and others who could afford the high price. Since then, they have developed the Giro Havoc bicycle helmet, built for mountain biking and containing such features as a removable snap-fit visor, in mold construction with twenty-seven cooling vents and a highly adjustable Roc Loc@ three fit system.

Bicyclists And Safety

Louis Garneau, a Canadian cyclist who became a bicycle apparel manufacturer, created an entire line of bicycle helmets from plastic shell helmets with thick EPS pile to street bike helmets, containing a camouflage or plain design with a metal outer layer and soft inner pile. At 17.5 ounces, the street bike helmet is a light and comfortable fit.

There are cyclists who have traveled thousands of miles without a serious accident, but it was not just a case of pure luck. Bike enthusiasts encourage all serious bikers to take part in the bike helmet safety program and choose appropriate bicycle helmets for bicycle recreation and sports. Concerned with the need for a bike safety helmet program, the Bell corporation has joined the kid safety committee, producing bike helmets for every need. The largest manufacturers of bike helmets, Bell continues to offer bicycle helmets for toddlers, children, youth and adults.