Bicycle helmet - yes or no? The question must answer for every cyclist in Germany. A provision does not exist. Fact: A head cover and safety vest is better protected in many accident situations than without. But the helmet is not the same helmet.
The bicycle helmet is not compulsory in Germany. The legislature neither prescribes it, nor is there a helmet use through the back door: The Federal Supreme Court (BGH) presented on Tuesday (June 17) clear that cyclists are entitled without a helmet for a no fault accident compensation claim in full if they thereby suffered head injuries have that would have been with helmet may be less severe or even preventable. Those who still prefer cycling with bicycle helmet or equipping his children therefore should know a few things in order to achieve the best possible protection. Gunnar Fabliau by the Press bike provides answers to questions about the helmet:
What makes a good bike helmet?
In high-quality bicycle helmets is found next to the CE mark and the size specification - usually the head circumference in centimeters - also the date of manufacture. This is important because may decrease the shock absorbing effect of the foam layer with aging. As for the shell, ABS plastic is more robust than the thinner, lighter and therefore preferably used for sports models polycarbonate. Very important: The helmet has to fit perfectly to the head shape, must not and will not be too tight too loose. He should sit centrally on the forehead, that can be drawn from the end neither down over his eyebrows still upwards. Between chinstrap and pine more than a finger's width should remain air.
When should you replace the head protection?
When the helmet hits or an accident on the floor simply slipped just out of hand and slams on the asphalt, it should be replaced. A rotational basis to cyclists who swear on the head protection provide the best every five years a new helmet, because the foam protective layer is porous over time and the damping characteristic decreases thereby. Weather, sun and sweat favor the aging.
Can outgrow children from bicycle helmets?
Yes. Therefore, parents should from time to time to check if the helmet is still in place. In children, the purchase of a new helmet is about every two years makes sense - and not just because of the size: Many school children hanging the helmet after the ride to the knapsack, then he cooked up fast times somewhere and can get small cracks, Fabliau admits concerns. From hand Sale he advises because of possible previous damages, which are not visible at first glance, on principle.
The helmet needs care?
Insects, dust and sweat are best washed regularly with water and possibly some mild soap. Harsh cleansers are unsuitable for helmet care: You can attack the reflective material and weaken the structure of the protective helmet.
Bicycle helmet mandatory in Europe
In Germany there is no legal helmet law for cyclists. Elsewhere in Europe already, which should of course be taken into account and leisure travelers, the Auto Club Europe explains (ACE). Finland generally writes thus before the only country a helmet when cycling. Other states have a situational or age-related bicycle helmet mandatory.
In Lithuania and the Czech Republic is for children and young people under 18 to wear a helmet, a general, Estonia and Croatia for under 16 year olds in Iceland, Sweden, Slovakia and Slovenia for under 15-year-old. Austria signs the bike helmet for children from under 12. Some states exist in darkness or poor visibility that cyclists wear a vest or reflective clothing. These include Estonia, France, Italy, Lithuania, Malta, Slovakia, Spain and Hungary.
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