Bike with care & be helmet aware: Bike helmet tips from CSA International

TORONTO, May 11 /CNW/ - With the City of Toronto's Bike Month 2010 officially scheduled to begin on Monday, May 31, an increased number of Torontonians will be taking part in related cycling activities. While legislation in Ontario requires all bicycle riders younger than 18 to wear a certified helmet, CSA International, a leading provider of product testing and certification services, encourages cyclists of all ages to use a certified helmet for head protection at all times. To help cyclists be safer this summer, CSA International is offering nine simple tips on what to look for in a bike helmet.

    
    1.  Certification markings: Look for the certification mark of an
        accredited certification & testing organization such as CSA
        International. A CSA certification mark indicates that the helmet has
        been tested and certified to the requirements of Canada's only
        national standard for cycling helmets.

    2.  Fit: Proper fit is essential for safety. Try helmets on before
        purchasing to make sure you pick one that fits comfortably and
        snugly.

    3.  Stability: When the straps and comfort pads are adjusted, the helmet
        should not move forward, backward or come off. It should sit level on
        the head and extend down to about 3-cm above the eyebrows.

    4.  Ventilation: Look for vents that allow heat to escape, providing
        coolness and perspiration control.

    5.  Attachment system: Front and rear straps should meet just below each
        ear when tightly adjusted. The chin straps should be snug without
        pinching.

    6.  Eye care: Visors provide cyclists with additional protection from the
        sun and rain.

    7.  Visibility: Brightly coloured helmets and reflective strips make the
        rider more visible in traffic.

    8.  Replacement: Bike helmets act as shock absorbers, protecting the head
        by cushioning impact. The helmet is not designed for multiple
        impacts. Replace a helmet after it has been in a crash.

    9.  Reputable brands: Be wary of potentially counterfeit helmets. Tips an
        item may be a fake include products priced well below market value or
        items that have spelling mistakes, poor graphics, or missing contact
        information. Before selling a helmet at a garage or yard sale, please
        check with the manufacturer or Health Canada to see if it has been
        recalled; please do not sell a recalled or problematic helmet.
    

For more everyday consumer tips and safety advice, please visit www.csa.ca/consumers/consumer_site/

About CSA International

CSA International is a provider of product testing and certification services for electrical, mechanical, plumbing, gas and a variety of other products. Recognized in the U.S., Canada and around the world, CSA International certification marks appear on billions of products worldwide. CSA International is a division of CSA Group, which also includes CSA Standards, a leading solutions based standards organization, providing standards development, application products, training and advisory services; and OnSpeX, a provider of consumer product evaluation, inspection and advisory services for retailers and manufacturers. For more information, visit www.csa-international.org.

For further information: Marco Ouji, Media Relations Officer, CSA Group, T: [phone], E: [email protected]