Time to remind ourselves and the people we care about - and everyone we see in
Wasaga Beach - to wear a bicycle helmet - scooter helmet - skateboard helmet - roller blade helmet......We need to make our
roads safe. We need more safe, designated bike paths. More info
here. Safe Kids Canada website
here. Staggering statistics
here.
Cycling - For cycling, wear an approved cycling helmet.
Bike helmets must be replaced after they have been in one crash. They will not protect you a second time. If your helmet has been in a crash, replace it. Look for certification by CSA, CPSC, ASTM or Snell.
In-line skating - Although there are some helmets designed specially for in-line skating, a certified bike helmet is fine for recreational in-line skating. The special in-line skating helmet extends farther down the back of the head to provide additional protection for backward falls. If using a bike helmet, replace after one hard crash. Look for the CPSC, CSA, ASTM or Snell certification.
Scooters - No standards have been set for helmets for scooter riders. Bike helmets are the type recommended for scooters because this activity is similar to biking and in-line skating.
Skateboarding - We recommend a special skateboarding helmet that covers more of the back of the head and will protect against more than one crash. Because falls are common in skateboarding, these helmets are made of material that is specially designed to withstand multiple impacts on the same spot. Look for the ASTM F-1492 or Snell-94 standard. Be aware that a skateboard helmet should not be used for bike riding unless specified on the label.
Multi-sport helmets - Some helmets are marketed as "multi-sport." This means the helmet meets safety standards for more than one activity. The Snell N-94 helmet is tested for cycling, mountain biking, in-line skating and skateboarding. Other helmets labeled as multi-sport may meet more than one standard - for example, one standard for cycling and another for skateboarding. Be sure the helmet you buy shows clearly what activity it has been tested for. If you have any questions, contact the manufacturer.
Helmets for winter sports:
Hockey - Hockey helmets are the multiple-impact kind, designed to protect your head in many falls to the ice and collisions with the boards. Hockey helmets also cover more of the back of the head. This is important for the kind of falls that often happen on ice and snow. Hockey helmets are also recommended for ice skating, and tobogganing. Hockey helmets are regulated by federal law in Canada and should always have the CSA label.
Skiing and snowboarding - We recommend a ski helmet. These are usually designed as single-impact helmets. They cover more of the back of the head, compared to a bike helmet. This is important because backwards falls are more common in snow sports than with cycling. Look for certification from Snell or ASTM.
