Bicycling season in Central Ohio has arrived. Bike paths provide many options for those of us who are anxious to get riding again.

In preparation for that day when you will take your first ride of the season, check your equipment to ensure your safety.  Make sure the bike fits the rider. Have a certified cycling mechanic inspect your bike. Wear a properly fitted helmet. Head injury is the most common cause of death and serious disability in bicycle-related crashes. According to the Bicycle Helmet Safety Institute, head injuries cause two-thirds of about 700 bicycle deaths each year and bicycle helmets reduce the risk of serious head and brain injury by 85%. However, bicycle helmets can greatly reduce the risk of brain and skull injuries if they are fitted and worn properly and regularly. Remember the four S’s when selecting a helmet.

1. Size: Try on several different helmets before you purchase one. The helmet should be comfortable and snug. Extra pads can be used to enhance the fit. Helmet pads should not be used to make a helmet that is too big fit. Don’t buy a helmet that is too big with the idea that he/she will grow into it.
2. Strap: The straps should be joined just under each ear at the jawbone. The buckle should be snug but allow the wearer to open their mouth comfortably.
3. Straight: The bottom edge of the helmet should be nearly parallel to the ground, not at an angle. The front of the helmet should be just about the rider’s eyebrows.
4. Standards: The American National Standards Institute (ANSI), the Snell Memorial Foundation, and the American Society for Testing Materials (ASTM) have developed voluntary standards for bicycle helmets. Make sure the helmet you use bears a label from one of these organizations indicating that it meets certain testing criteria.

Proper Bike Helmet Usage

To help encourage helmet use, involve the rider in buying the helmet. Make sure he/she is happy with the appearance. Set a good example for your children by wearing a helmet, no matter how brief the trip. Replace a helmet immediately, if damaged.

On Sunday May 2, 2010, Dublin, Ohio will be hosting the Healthy Dublin Bike Rodeo, where members of the EMS Bike Patrol will be fitting free youth helmets at the Dublin Recreation Center Northwest parking lot from noon to 3 p.m. (while supplies last). Youth must be fitted for a helmet to receive a helmet.

If you are looking to combine doing something for the greater good while riding your bike, consider riding in Pelotonia this August 20-22, 2010. Every dollar raised by Pelotonia and its riders goes directly to fund cancer research at The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center – James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute. For more information visit www.pelotonia.org.

Line of Duty” Author: Fire Marshal Alan Perkins, CFPS, is a 32-year veteran of the fire service. A Certified Fire Protection Specialist through the National Fire Protection Association and a member of several similar safety organizations. Perkins is the Fire Marshal for the Washington Township Fire Department, Dublin, Ohio. For more information, contact: Leslie Dybiec, Public Information Officer Phone: (614) 652-3928 Fax: (614) 766-2507 or ldybiec@wtwp.com.

Live Safe Foundation is an Ohio based non-profit organization (501c3), and leading grassroots movement, devoted to making fire safety education, awareness initiatives and life saving tools available on a broad basis to communities, campuses, and institutions in an effort to reduce national fire fatalities and fire losses. LiveSafe aims to help finance fire safety education where means are otherwise unavailable. LiveSafe is developing and sponsoring programs to help groups find the resources needed to advance individual and community fire safety.