Bicycle Helmets are Vital for Safety
Recently a concerned Mosman Prep parent approached me regarding the large number of children she has witnessed lately, in the Mosman area, riding their bikes and scooters without helmets.
No matter the circumstances, a helmet is vital for safety.
‘E-scooter injury-related admissions at hospitals more than doubled between 2021 and 2024, with young boys accounting for three-quarters of admissions.’ (Recent Queensland study - ABC News 22 March, 2026).
‘A quarter of children who are seriously injured in e-scooter accidents end up in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), and two-thirds require surgery. Of the cases in which researchers were told whether the child was wearing a helmet, almost two-thirds were not.’ (ABC News 3 February, 2026)
A recent study conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (USA) found that when bicycle helmets were used in accident scenarios, head-injuries were reduced by 48%, and serious head injuries were reduced by 60%.
Here is a breakdown of why wearing a helmet matters and how to make it a non-negotiable part of your family culture.
1. The Physics of Protection
Children’s heads are proportionately larger and heavier than those of adults, making them more likely to lead with their heads during a fall.
- Impact Absorption: Helmets are designed to undergo controlled deformation. The foam crushes on impact, extending the time it takes for the head to stop moving.
- Brain Mechanics: In a crash, the brain can slide and rotate inside the skull. A helmet reduces the "G-forces" that cause concussions and traumatic brain injuries.
- The "Low-Speed" Myth: Most serious head injuries occur at speeds under 24 kph. A simple fall from a stationary bike onto a curb can be just as dangerous as a high-speed collision.
2. Setting the "Gold Standard" Rules
The best way to avoid a daily argument is to establish absolute consistency.
- The "No Helmet, No Wheels" Policy: This should be a universal law. If your child is riding a bike, scooter, or skates, the helmet is on. No exceptions! Even for "just riding to the end of the driveway."
- Be the Billboard: Kids are biological mirrors. If you ride your bike without a helmet while lecturing them about safety, the message is lost. Wear yours every single time.
- Let Them Choose: Within recommended safety standards (seen later in this article), let them pick the colour, stickers, or style. If they think it looks cool, they’re far less likely to "forget" it at a friend's house.
- If your child is resistant, try framing it like sports gear. Professional cyclists, skaters, and F1 drivers wouldn't dream of competing without a helmet—it’s the "uniform of a pro."
3. The Proper Fit Check
A helmet is only truly effective if it fits properly, as outlined below. A "2 - V - 1" fitting process has been recommended.
- The 2 is for two finger widths between your eyebrows and the base of the helmet when it is level on your head.
- The "V" represents the shape that the straps should take while connecting under your earlobes.
- The "1" symbolises the one finger length of space that should be allowed to squeeze under your chin when the helmet is strapped together.
4. When to Replace Helmets
Helmets aren't "buy it once for life" items. You need a new one if:
- It’s been in a crash: Even if it looks fine, the internal foam is likely compromised and won't protect your child a second time.
- It’s over 5 years old: UV rays and sweat degrade the materials over time.
- It’s outgrown: If it’s tilting back or won't stay level, it's time for an upgrade.
5. Key Information on Helmet Standards in Australia
- Bicycle Helmets: As of 2024, standards have expanded to accept CPSC 16 C.F.R. Part 1203, ASTM F1447, and EN-1078, alongside the traditional AS/NZS 2063:2020.
- Compliance Verification: Look for the CPSC sticker or safety certification label inside the helmet, which ensures it meets strict safety testing standards.
Unfortunately, our boys don’t always make the best decisions regarding their safety, as the prefrontal cortex of their brain (which controls reasoning and risk assessment), is one of the last areas to mature (usually by the mid-20s).
Getting your children to wear a helmet is one of those parenting battles that is 100% worth winning. It’s not just about following the law or being "overprotective"— it’s about protecting the one organ that can’t be repaired with a cast or stitches.
Being resolute on our children wearing helmets on bikes and scooters really is a parenting non-negotiable.
Peter Grimes | Headmaster
