ThinkFirst Oregon

ThinkFirst Oregon

Low-cost Helmets

Low-cost helmets

Low-cost, safety-certified bicycle, skate, and ski helmets are available at OHSU Doernbecher's Tom Sargent Children’s Safety Center located at Doernbecher Children’s Hospital Lobby. Please contact the Tom Sargent Children’s Safety Center at 503-418-5666 or email safety@ohsu.edu for more information.

Oregon helmet law

Effective on July 1st, 1994 youth under age 16 riding a bicycle, skateboarding, riding a scooter, or using in-line skates, when a passenger on a bike in any public place (streets, roads, sidewalks, parks, etc.) must wear bicycle helmets labeled ANSI and/or Snell approved.  Failure to wear the helmet is a traffic infraction punishable by a maximum fine of $25.  This law is in violation if the person operating a bicycle carries another person on the bicycle who is under the 16 years of age is not wearing a helmet.

Why wear a helmet?

  • It is the law for anyone under the age of 16
  • Traumatic brain injuries are the leading cause of death among people admitted to the hospital involving a bicycle crash (IIHS, 2010).
  • An estimated 85% of cyclists' head injuries can be prevented by a helmet. (IIHS, 2010)

How do I know if my helmet fits me correctly?

  1. Size: Measure your head for approximate size
  2. Position: The helmet should sit level on the head so that the forehead is covered within two finger widths of the eyebrows
  3. Buckles: Center the left buckle under the chin
  4. Side straps: Adjust the slider on both straps to form a "V" shape under, and slightly in front of, the ears
  5. Chin strap: Tighten the chin strap so that, when buckled, no more than one or two fingers fit between the strap and chin
  6. Does it fit? Yawn! The helmet should pull down on the head. Ensure that the helmet does not rock back more than the two fingers distance or rock forward into your eyes.
  7. Put all four straps through the rubber band near the buckle
  8. Ride safely and have fun!

For more details and pictures, use the following helmet fitting instruction guides:

Helmet Fitting Guide - English

Guía de ajuste de casco - Español