Helmet care and replacement

Your helmet is the most important piece of cycling kit you own. It’s not just a box to tick for safety, it’s frontline protection between your head any hard immovable object your head may hit. Like rock climbers tend their ropes and skydivers inspect and safely pack their chutes – your helmet needs some care and attention. And they don’t last forever.

At Bicycle Queensland, we recommend replacing your helmet every three years – or sooner if it’s been involved in a crash, even a minor one. That may surprise you if your helmet still looks perfectly fine, but here’s why it matters.

Isn’t three years too soon?

Every ride takes a little toll on your helmet. Sun exposure, sweat, bumps, drops from your handlebar and even being tossed into a gear bag all slowly degrade the foam and plastic that absorb impact. Helmet manufacturers also advise not leaving a bike helmet in a car that is over 30 degrees. Over time, those materials lose their ability to protect you as effectively.

Even small knocks like dropping your helmet on the ground or knocking it against a wall can cause unseen fractures in the protective foam. You may not spot the damage, but it could compromise the helmet’s ability to reduce the severity of an impact in a crash.

And if you’ve had an incident where your head made contact with the ground or a solid surface? That helmet has done its job and it’s time to retire it immediately. It only takes one impact to weaken a helmet. If you’re not sure about the condition of your helmet, tip it over so the top faces the ground. Squeeze it on the longitudinal axis and see if any cracks appear. Do the same on the latitudinal axis. If there are cracks – it is time for a new helmet. Still not sure? Visit your local bike store for their advice.

Choosing Your Next Helmet

When it’s time for a new lid, don’t just grab the first one that looks good. Fit and function matter far more than colour or style. A properly fitted helmet will not only keep you safe but also feel more stable on long rides.

Consider the type of riding you are doing and the helmet you need. The sleekest, most ventilated helmets are great for road riding. But helmets with visors might be preferable for those who don’t ride in such an aggressive position. Mountain bike helmets often offer more protection around the temples and back of the head, and there are light full-face helmets that suit e-scooter and mountain bike use.

Here’s a step‑by‑step guide to getting the right fit:

• Your helmet should sit level on your head, covering the middle of your forehead – not tipped back like a sun hat.
• A quick check: there should be two fingers’ width between your eyebrows and the bottom of the helmet.
• The helmet should feel snug and stable even before you fasten the straps. Most helmets will come in three sizes. One size fits most is typically best avoided.
• Give your head a gentle shake – the helmet shouldn’t rock forward, back or sideways.
• Most modern helmets have a rear dial or retention system. Adjust it so it rests comfortably just below the bump at the back of your skull (the occipital bone).
• Buckle up and open your mouth wide, as if you’re screaming about the joy of bike riding. The helmet should gently press down on your head due to pressure from the strap
• The Y‑shaped strap splitters should sit about 1 cm below each ear – these aid fore-aft stability in the event of a crash.
• If you ride with sunglasses or prescription lenses, check that the helmet straps or retention system don’t interfere with your eyewear arms.
• Don’t wear a regular hat under your helmet — it can affect fit and safety, especially a baseball cap. A thin cycling cap is fine. Sunbrims are a great addition for more sun protection – or an SPF rated BQ Neck Gaitor!

Features to look for

In Australia, bicycle helmets need to meet AS/NZS 2063 or an equivalent international standard, such as EN 1078 or CPSC 16.

• Ventilation: More vents mean better airflow for hot Queensland rides.
• MIPS or similar tech: rotational impact protection can help reduce the severity of an impact.
• Lightweight construction: Makes long rides more comfortable – the microshell coverage over the foam also assists with durability from small bumps.
• High‑visibility colours: Not essential, but a bright helmet can make you more noticeable on the road. That includes white!
• A small, removable visor: not essential but it helps keep the sun out of your eyes.

Caring for Your Helmet

A little care goes a long way in extending your helmet’s life. In general, you should look after your helmet like it may save your life one day.

• Store it in a cool, dry place out of direct sun.
• Avoid leaving it in a hot car as heat can warp the shell and weaken the foam.
• Clean it with mild soap and water, not harsh chemicals.
• Inspect it regularly for cracks or dents – replace it if it has any damage
• If you’re lucky to travel, take your helmet as carry on to avoid damage
• Don’t attach anything to your helmet

Your Head is Worth It

A helmet isn’t just another piece of cycling kit. it’s your insurance policy against serious head injury. Replacing your helmet every three years (or after any crash) might feel cautious, but your safety is worth far more than the cost of a new one.

So next time you’re wondering whether your helmet is still good enough, remember our simple rule: if you’re not sure, don’t risk it – every ride is better when you know your head is properly protected.

BQ Members can save $10 on PieProof helmets (RRP $109.95) – these helmets have additional safety features to protect the wearer from magpie strikes.