For safety sake, we should wear a helmet while riding. Image source: Urge Endur-o-matic helmet
Question: How often do you wear a helmet when you ride a bicycle?
A. Always
B. Sometimes
C. Never
No one is perfect, but for your sake, I hope your answer is A.
While helmet use is not legally required for any adult cyclists in this city, it is strongly encouraged for Citi Bike NYC users.
In fact, helmet use is so important that Citi Bike is making it easier than ever for you to buy one.
“Annual Citi Bike members receive a $10 helmet discount coupon,
and the Department of Transportation has distributed more
than 80,000 free helmets to bike riders and is on pace
to reach 100,000 distributed by the end of this year.”
$10 Citi Bike Annual Member Coupon
The average bike helmet costs about $20.00–though many premium designs cost a lot more.
The good news is: you can save money on your helmet purchase as a Citi Bike Annual Member!
Along with your Citi Bike key, you’ll receive a coupon good for $10 off one Bern, Bontrager, or Nutcase Helmet–or any helmet–at most bikes shop in NYC.
Bern Unlimited is dedicated to developing and delivering the most valued protective gear.
Note: Your Citi Bike helmet discount coupon is valid for roughly 60 days after arriving in the mail, and must include your Citi Bike Member key number in order to be redeemed.
No Citi Bike key number listed on your coupon? Simply write it in before purchasing your helmet. (You can find the key number under the bar code on your Citi Bike key.)
You can find a list of participating NYC helmet retailers on the resources page of the Citi Bike web site.
Along with your Citi Bike key, you’ll get a coupon good for $10 off one helmet at any bike shop in NYC.
Tips to Consider When Buying a New Helmet
According to Bike NYC, wearing a helmet is critical to reduce your chance of serious head injury. They recommend these tips for buying a new helmet:
• Find the smallest size that fits your head.
• Choose an easily visible color.
• Look for certification by the U.S. Safety Product Commission (CPSC), the Snell Memorial Foundation, or the American National Standards Institute (ANSI)
• Don’t be afraid to consider fashion and personal taste. Get a helmet that you won’t mind wearing!
Free Helmet Fittings In New York City
The New York Department of Transportation (DOT) is on a mission to protect and save our lives. DOT fits and gives away the official New York City bicycle helmet at events throughout the city.
To receive your free helmet, you must:
• Be present
• Learn how to properly fit and wear a helmet
• Sign a waiver (a parent or legal guardian must sign for children under 18).
Wearing a helmet is mandatory for children in NYC and is highly-recommended for everyone.
In general, according to Bike NYC, your helmet should be level, adjusted correctly, and fastened snugly under your chin to reduce the chance of a serious head injury.
They also suggest that your helmet may need to be readjusted every once in a while–the straps may loosen with use, for instance. Be sure to check it regularly.
Click the link to search for the next helmet fitting on the DOT Events Calendar
DOT fits and gives away the official NYC bicycle helmet at events throughout the city.
In NYC, Call 311 to Schedule a Helmet Fitting
Or call:
Bronx Safety City
837 Brush Avenue
718-822-4116
Brooklyn Safety City
Woodhull Hospital
760 Broadway, Main Floor
718-963-6858
Manhattan Safety City
P.S. 92
222 West 134th Street
212-368-7653
Manhattan II: Access Safety City
672 West 158th Street
212-795-3046
Staten Island Safety City
Petrides School
715 Ocean Terrace
718-390-5150
Remember, while helmet use is not legally required for adult cyclists in this city, I urge you to put safety first and wear a helmet that fits your head properly. With so many free and discounted helmet resources, we have no excuse for not owning and wearing a helmet whenever we bike!
And as Bike NYC wisely states: “Get a helmet that you won’t mind wearing!”
Do you use a helmet when you bike? Are you planning to buy one? Share your suggestions and comments with us.
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