Why it is essential to wear a bike helmet
Wearing a helmet while riding a bike can literally save your life. By now you should be aware that using bicycles as a means of transportation not only benefits your health but also the economy and the environment.
Here are some of the key benefits of using a bicycle as a means of transportation:
Health benefits of riding a bicycle:
Biking offers an excellent way to manage and reduce weight. This is because it increases your metabolic rate, burns body fat, and helps to build muscle. If you are struggling to lose weight, cycling combined with a healthy diet can help speed up the desired results. Incorporating cycling into your everyday routine helps to stimulate and improve your heart, lungs, and blood circulation. All of these factors go a long way in minimizing your risk of cardiovascular diseases. Biking also helps to strengthen the muscles of the heart, lower blood fat levels, and lower resting pulse.
Cycling on a regular basis has also been found to reduce mental conditions such as stress, depression, and anxiety. This effect is brought about by the exercise itself as well as the fun and excitement of riding a bike. If you are looking for children’s car seats then see here.
Environmental Benefits of Riding a Bike:
It reduces our carbon footprint. Did you know that a short daily commute to work of only about 5 miles produces approximately 100 gallons of gas each year? Yes, your short drive to work every day contributes to increased carbon dioxide emissions and climate change. Using a bicycle to work doesn’t require the burning of fossil fuels and helps to minimize our impact on the environment.
Tires are typically made from rubber, which we mainly source from rubber plantations planted over cut and burnt rain forests. However, bicycles use tires that are considerably thinner and fewer in number than the tires cars use. If we focus on using bicycles more as a primary means of transport, we will help to reduce the demand for rubber and help save rainforests from being destroyed.
Now that you understand the various benefits of riding a bicycle, the next important thing to know is how to wear the proper equipment when cycling. Before engaging in this activity, there are some crucial components that you should ensure are in good working condition; the helmet and the bike itself.
How a helmet works
When you put on a helmet, it protects you in three different ways:
i) It acts as a mechanical barrier between your head and the impacting object thus preventing direct contact between the skull and the object.
ii) The helmet distributes the force of impact over a larger surface area thus ensuring that it is not concentrated on a specific area of the head.
iii) It absorbs most of the impact energy thus minimizing the magnitude of forces that reach your skull and brain.
Properly Wearing a Bicycle Helmet
Same as with hats, helmets are available in different sizes.
Before buying any new helmet, it is crucial that try it on first to ensure that it is a good fit. In case you are buying your online, consider visiting a bike shop first and test a few models.
Given that our heads have different shapes, it is important that you select a helmet that fits you perfectly and doesn’t have any pressure points.
Never forget to wear a helmet any time you go out bicycle riding.