bhilden@druxj.UUCP (HildenbrandBE) (01/03/85)
There is some backing in the cycling industry to adopt some
sort of safety standard for bicycle helmets, I am posting
some information regarding this proposal.
In March of 1984 the American National Standards Institute(ANSI)
approved the first bicycle helmet standard. Unfortunately,
ANSI is a non-governmental organization, and their standard
does not have the power of law. The purpose of the standard
is to give prospective helmet buyers some safety standards with
which to allow a more informed purchase. The standards were
developed with input from bicycle and motorcycle helmet
manufacturers, the Snell Foundation and, cycling organizations
from Washington and California.
The tests proposed include drop tests in which a headform is strapped
into the helmet then dropped one meter onto an anvil. The "g" forces
generated are measured. In this test, the Bell(I beleive the V1-Pro),
Bailen, the Fury ,and MSR passed this test. The Skid-Lid, Protec and "leather
hairnets" didn't. Another similar test was devised to evaluate the
chinstrap/buckle mechanism. The Fury, Bell and Bailen also passed
this test.
At present, only the Fury, Bell, and the Bailen have passed the ANSI standard.
There is a motion before the United States Cycling Federation(USCF), which
controls US amateur bicycle racing, to adopt the ANSI standard--no news
yet.
What does all this mean? Well, I have a bias against Skid-Lid helmets...
they offer very little protection if you strike your head with a direct
blow and, the are open on top, allowing small objects to penetrate
the skull if struck. I know of several fatalities from cyclists wearing
the Skid-Lid. I feel we need something like the ANSI standards to
prevent more of this type of stuff. By the way, the president of
Skid-Lid opposes the ANSI standards, probably cheaper than upgrading
the helmet.
Any helmet is definitely better than no helmet as long as the
cyclist does not consider himsel/herself invulnerable because they
have it on.
Bruce Hildenbrand
p.s. - thanks to Harry Wessenberg of the Western Wheelers Bicycle Club
in Menlo Park, CA for compiling this information.