by John Gray

Created on: August 18, 2009

If you've ever seen somebody take a fall at 20 MPH onto hard concrete surface, or into the trunk of a tree, then you'll understand the need for a helmet. The skull, although strong, is not meant for such impacts and the damage from such crashes can be very serious indeed. Nobody would dream of riding a motorcycle without the use of a proper helmet and it shouldn't be any different for that of a pedal bike. Despite the dangers, however, people are still taking unwise risks with their safety by not wearing a helmet. Wearing a helmet is simply good, safe practice.

For many it is the elements of danger which accompany the sport which makes it so thrilling. The treacherous downhill terrains and the rocky paths make for tricky riding; throw in a little rain and it becomes a near certainty that someone will fall off. In itself this is not necessarily a problem. The problem arises when people don't take the correct safety precautions to ensure that injuries from such falls are limited.

Getting a helmet should be the first priority after the purchase of the bike. Finding the correct size is simple and straightforward. There is no need to take measurements to find out your size as usually most helmets come with adjustable straps. It is often just a case of choosing between standard sizes such as a choice between medium or large as they are easily adjustable to the best fit. Even so those with experience are always on hand to offer advice if a person is still unsure.

Most helmets are lightweight, practical and easy to fit. Wearing a helmet should just become a good habit and many people claim that, after a while, you don't even feel that it is on. Simply by wearing the correct safety helmet the rider can ensure a fun and safe ride. A standard helmet will vastly reduce the damage sustained during a fall, because one thing is for sure, every ride falls off their bike at some stage.

It is true that in hot conditions the helmet can be a little uncomfortable, however helmets have come a long way from the unforgiving forms that where on the market in the earlier years. Now, many helmets are manufactured with plenty of air vents and are made with streamlined material. They don't cost a lot of money and the trade-off for what little annoyance they can sometimes be, is well worth the protection and insurance they provide.

Some riders go further than the safety helmet and wear protective arm and shin pads. This is especially a good idea for fast downhill mountain biking. It is an extra precaution that can save these other vulnerable parts of the body, but they are not necessary for the standard mountain biker, who would mainly ride over light or rolling terrains. There are also specialist downhill helmets which offer face protection, usually in the form of a cage or visor form, but again these are not necessary for the average day-to-day biker.

Mountain biking is a great outdoor sport which is growing in popularity all the time. It is a sport that is suitable for all the family and is one that even if done once a fortnight can greatly improve the health and levels of fitness of those taking part. It is a very rewarding and exhilarating pastime, but it should be something that is done safely and sensibly; for riding without a helmet is just not worth it. There are no excuses.

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