Going for a ride? Make helmet safety a priority

Whether you are riding a bike, e-scooter, skateboard or rollerblading, one item should always come with you: a properly fitted helmet. 

Every year, thousands of Canadians are seriously injured in preventable crashes. Wearing a helmet can reduce the risk of serious head and brain injuries by up to 85%.  

In Ontario, anyone under the age of 18 is legally required to wear a Canadian Standards Association (CSA) approved helmet when cycling or riding an e-bike. Riders must also be 16 years of age to operate an e-scooter. Helmets must be worn by children riding in bike trailers or carriers.  

To ensure a proper fit for your helmet, use the 2V1 Shake, Shake, Shake Rule: 

• 2: The helmet should sit two fingers above your eyebrow to the bottom of your helmet 
• V: Make sure straps make a “V” shape around the bottom of your ears 
• 1: Ensure there is only one finger that can fit under the chin strap 
• Shake, shake, shake your head up and down and side to side to ensure a snug fit 

Avoid wearing hats, headphones or high ponytails under your helmet, and never use a secondhand helmet with missing parts or signs of damage.  

Adults are powerful role models. Research shows that 98% of children wear helmets when their parents or guardians do. Safety is a shared responsibility, so help make helmet use a habit by leading by example. 

As students prepare for another school year, helmet safety can help support safe trips to and from school. Through York Region's Vision Zero Traveller Safety Plan, we are working to reduce serious injuries and fatalities and create safer roads for everyone. Whether travelling by bike, e-scooter, skateboard or on foot, making safety part of your daily routine can help prevent injuries and keep you moving safely.  

If you're planning to ride an e-scooter, it's important to know the rules in your community. Under Ontario's e-scooter pilot program, municipalities can choose whether to permit e-scooters and establish local rules for where they can be used. Before riding, check your local municipality's website for rules, permitted riding locations and safety requirements.  

Learn more about helmet safety by watching the video below or by visiting york.ca/CyclingSafety