For a first cycling holiday, a child needs a light, comfortable kids’ bike helmet that fits well and is worn on every ride of the trip. A cycling holiday is a wonderful way for a family to spend time together, but it means longer rides, unfamiliar roads, and more time on the bike than a child is used to, so a good helmet matters more than ever.
A cycling holiday usually involves riding every day, often on quiet lanes, cycle paths, and trails, with stops for meals and sightseeing along the way. The child will be riding further and for longer than they do at home, and tired legs can mean wobbles and falls. A helmet that fits well and feels comfortable is one the child will be happy to wear all day.
What type of helmet suits a cycling holiday?
A standard kids’ bike helmet is the right choice for a cycling holiday. Look for a helmet with good ventilation, because the child will be riding for hours and will get warm, especially in summer. A well-ventilated helmet keeps the head cool and makes the ride far more comfortable.
Choose a helmet that is light, because a heavy helmet becomes tiring over a long day in the saddle. A light helmet is also easier for a child to wear without noticing it, which means they are less likely to ask to take it off.
Some families pack a spare helmet, which can be useful if the first one is damaged or lost during the trip. If you do pack a spare, make sure it fits the child just as well as the main helmet, and check the straps before the first ride.
How should a kids’ helmet fit?
A kids’ helmet should sit level on the head, covering the forehead down to about two finger-widths above the eyebrows. It should not tilt back, which leaves the forehead exposed, or tilt forward, which blocks the child’s view of the road ahead.
The helmet should feel snug but not tight. When the child shakes their head gently, the helmet should stay in place, with only a small amount of movement. If it slides around easily, it is too loose, and if it leaves red marks or the child complains that it hurts, it is too tight.
Most kids’ helmets have a dial or pads inside that let you adjust the fit. Turn the dial until the helmet sits snugly, and use the pads to fill any gaps. Check the fit before the holiday and again during the trip, because a helmet can loosen with daily use.
How do you adjust the straps and buckle?
The side straps should form a neat V shape just below each ear, with the straps lying flat against the child’s face. If the V sits too far forward or too far back, slide the strap adjusters until it sits just below the ear.
The chin strap should be snug enough that only one or two fingers fit between the strap and the chin. If you can fit more fingers than that, the strap is too loose, and the helmet could come off in a fall. If the strap is so tight that the child cannot open their mouth comfortably, loosen it a little.
Always do the buckle up before the child sets off, and check that it clicks shut properly. On a cycling holiday, it is easy to get distracted at the start of a ride, so make buckling up part of the routine for every ride, without exception.
How do you plan rides for a child on a cycling holiday?
Keep the daily distances realistic for the child’s age and fitness, and build in plenty of breaks. A child who is tired is more likely to wobble and fall, so short rides with fun stops work better than long, hard days.
Choose routes that suit a child: quiet lanes, traffic-free cycle paths, and flat or gently rolling ground. Avoid busy roads and steep hills, especially on the first few days, while the child gets used to riding every day.
A child should be supervised on every ride of the holiday, and an adult should ride with them at all times. Plan the route together, carry water and snacks, and agree on a meeting point in case anyone gets separated.
How do you look after a helmet on a cycling holiday?
At the end of each day, leave the helmet somewhere ventilated so it can dry out, rather than stuffing it into a bag while it is still damp with sweat. A helmet that dries out overnight will be fresher and more comfortable the next morning.
Check the helmet each evening for cracks, loose straps, or a buckle that is not working properly. Daily use on a holiday puts more wear on a helmet than a short ride at home, and a small problem is easier to fix at the hotel than on the road.
If the helmet takes a hard knock or is dropped onto a hard surface, check it carefully before the next ride. If your child’s helmet has a MIPS liner, the same checks apply, and the liner should be inspected for wear whenever the helmet is cleaned.
What should you pack for a cycling holiday?
Pack the helmet where it will not be squashed, ideally in its own bag or on top of soft clothes, so the shell and the straps are not bent out of shape in transit. If you are flying or driving, keep the helmet where you can reach it easily on arrival.
Bring a small repair kit for the trip: a spare inner tube, a pump, a multi-tool, and a few basic spares for the child’s bike. A little chain oil and a cloth are useful too, because a holiday bike that is ridden every day needs more care than one used for a short ride at home.
Pack sun cream, water bottles, snacks, and a light waterproof layer for each rider, including the child. Weather can change quickly on a cycling holiday, and a child who is wet, cold, or hungry will not enjoy the ride, however good the route is.
Should my child wear a helmet on every ride of the holiday?
Yes. A helmet should be worn on every ride, however short or easy the route looks. Falls can happen on quiet lanes and cycle paths too, and a helmet is sensible protective gear for the whole trip.
What if my child’s helmet feels uncomfortable on long rides?
Check the fit and the straps first, because a small adjustment often helps. A thin helmet liner or a sweatband can help too. If the helmet still hurts, it may be the wrong size, and a better-fitting helmet is worth finding before the next ride.
Can my child wear a sun hat under the helmet?
It is best not to, because a hat changes the fit and can make the helmet sit too high. Use sunscreen on the child’s face and neck instead, and choose a helmet with a small peak or visor for shade.
Olivia
Writer at Helmet Today, covering helmet reviews, fit and riding safety.
