Helmet Safety!
In Ontario, it is mandatory for anyone under the age of 18 to wear a certified helmet while riding a bicycle. You can learn more by visiting Ontario’s Bicycle Safety website.
Helmets are recommended for people of all ages and all abilities while doing activities like skateboarding, rollerblading, biking, sledding, skating, skiing and snowboarding.
What you and your youth need to know about helmets | ||||||
Helmets reduce the risk of serious brain and head injuries by absorbing force from a fall or a hit to the head. What are some helmet tips?
Most helmets will fit into one of the following categories:
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What to look for when buying a helmet: | ||||||
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How to fit a helmet | ||||||
How to fit a bike helmetKnow the 2V1 rule to fit a bicycle helmet. Put the helmet on the head so it is level and so it is not tilting backwards or forwards. Then check the following:
Make sure the helmet doesn’t move. Move head up and down, and side to side. The helmet should stay in place and feel comfortably snug on the head. How to fit a hockey helmet
Put on the helmet so that it is not tilting forward or backward. Then check the following:
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When should I replace my youth's helmet | ||||||
The plastics of a helmet dry out and may become brittle over time. Many helmets can also only take one impact before they must be replaced. Read the manufacturer’s instructions carefully and replace a helmet:
For more on choosing the right helmet, visit Parachute Canada. |
Rolling with updated cycling laws in Ontario |
Making the roads safer requires the cooperation of everyone. In 2015, Ontario updated the Highway Traffic Act by introducing Bill 31. This Bill includes new laws to encourage safer behaviours among people driving vehicles and riding bicycles on roads across Ontario. Changes for Cyclists:
Changes for Drivers and Passengers of Motor Vehicles:
Remember that road safety is everyone's responsibility and the more we work together the safer our roads become. |
Do you have more questions about parenting?
- Connect with a registered nurse from Health811 for free, secure, and confidential health advice. Service is available 24/7 in English and French, with translation support also offered in other languages. Call 8-1-1 or visit Health811.ontario.ca.
- Connect with a Community Navigator from 2-1-1 for information about community programs and resources across Eastern Ontario. Helpline service is available 24/7 and in many different languages. Call 2-1-1 or visit 211ontario.ca.
- Connect with other parents on the Parenting in Ottawa Facebook page.
- There are a variety of services to make it easier for your child to grow up healthy in Ottawa.
- You can update your child's immunization record using either the Immunization Connect Ontario (ICON) Tool or the CANImmunize App.
- If you have received a message from Ottawa Public Health such as a letter or a call regarding immunization, an infectious disease, or infection control lapse, please call 613-580-6744 and listen to the menu options carefully.
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