|
FITTING
CYCLE HELMETS AND LIGHTS
If you wish to
download the light poster
in pdf format please go to
http://www.rsct.org.uk/pages/lights.pdf - and put it where you
feel
it is most needed both with permission aof the
Cambridge
Cycling Campaign
Please get your child/ren trained and preferably with
a helmet especially during the learning phase due to loss of balance
rather than an accident - the best way to avoid being hit is to
quote John Franklin,
'Head injury when cycling is neither inevitable nor
common, especially for people
WHO LEARN TO RIDE SKILFULLY.'
He also warns that
'Cycle helmets differ from other safety aids in that
they attempt only to limit the consequences of the crash. They
do
NOTHING
to prevent a crash taking place; indeed, if not used properly or if
their limitations are not appreciated, they may actually increase
that risk'.
It however
is not just a case of if they are not used properly, if they are ill
fitting, either too small, too large or too loose, the risk of
injury again is increased ... the helmet could be pushed back and do
nothing to protect, it could also choke the wearer in doing so and
that is just one possibility ... ensure they have the correct kite
mark and are properly fitted, measure your head before buying at the
very least!
How
to fit your helmet correctly
1. Check to see
if your helmet meets the standard EN 1078 or SNELL B.95.
2. Most helmets have an adjustable sizing mechanism at the back that
allows quick and easy changes to the helmet’s headband for a good
fit. A helmet should fit snugly. Measure your head
circumference, just above your eyebrows for sizing. If it doesn't
fit properly you need to adjust the helmet size by using the sizing
pads which most helmets now supply. Next try to push the
helmet backwards, forwards and from side to side. If this
makes a gap between your head and the helmet you need to choose a
different style or size of helmet. You should only be able to
put two fingers between your chin and your strap if it is done up
correctly.
3. Important –
the helmet must be worn so that it is level on the head, just above
the eyebrows. When the straps are done up you shouldn't be able to
push the helmet backwards, forwards or in any direction much at all.
The rear strap should meet the front strap just under your ear near
the hinge of your jaw. All straps should be equally tight and free
from slack. A test for this is that you should only be able to get
two fingers between the straps and your chin.
4. The helmet should not restrict vision or hearing in any way as it
may prevent you from seeing or hearing approaching traffic or any
warning signals from other road users.
NB: Helmets come
with varying amount of vents; this aids cooling in warm weather.
Covers can also be fitted to keep your head warm and dry in cooler
and/or wet weather. Also that when the strap is done up, you
should only be able to get two fingers between your strap and your
chin ... if it is any looser then you may be in danger of having
your helmet slip off and/or you strangling yourself!
Also
Lights and Reflectors
are another thing I am constantly asked about:
With thanks to the Cambridge
Cycling Campaign
Any bicycle which is used in the dark or in poor visibility must, by
law, be fitted with:
* White front light
* Red rear light
* Red rear reflector
* Amber / yellow pedal reflectors: front and rear on each pedal
The lights may be steady or flashing or a mixture, but it is
recommended that a steady light is used at the front.
Steady lights must conform to standard BS 6102/3 (or a corresponding
EC standard), and be marked accordingly, even if used in flashing
mode.
Rear lights fitted to bicycles that were made or first used before
October 1st 1995 are permitted to conform to an older British
Standard, BS 3648, instead of BS6102/3.
Lights which are purely flashing are not required to conform to the
above standard, but the flash rate must be between 60 and 240 equal
flashes per minute (one to four per second) and the brightness must
be at least four candela (the manufacturer's information, or the
retailer, should tell you this).
The pedal reflectors and rear reflector must conform to BS 6102/2
(or a corresponding EC standard).
Lights are not required to be fitted on a bicycle at the point of
sale, but if they are fitted then they must comply with these
regulations.
Optional lights and reflectors
In addition to the compulsory lighting on your bike, you can have
more lights if you would like as long as:
* They do not dazzle other road users.
* They are the correct colour (white to the front, red to the rear).
* If they flash, they conform to the required flash rate (one to
four equal flashes per second).
Optional lights are not required to conform to BS 6102/3 and there
is no minimum level of intensity.
Exemptions
The only exception to these regulations is for cycles which are used
only in good visibility during daytime. These bikes do not need to
be fitted with lights.
Lights and reflector checklist (when riding in poor light):
* Is your front light fitted, clean and working brightly?
* Is your back light fitted, clean and working brightly?
* Is your rear red reflector fitted and clean?
* Is your front white reflector fitted and clean?
* Are your pedal reflectors fitted and clean?
* Are your spoke/ wheel reflectors fitted and clean?
 |
