Wearing a helmet when on a bike, scooter, hoverboard, or roller skates, understanding the rules of the road and obeying them are extremely important habits to limit the risk of injuries. Wearing proper personal protective equipment (PPE), such as a helmet, can assist with protecting your brain from a traumatic injury which could lead to epilepsy. Those who are currently living with disabilities such as epilepsy, may want to consider looking into additional safety measures such as tricycles or recumbent bikes.
More children ages 5-14 go to emergency rooms for bicycle-related injuries than with any other sport; many with head injuries1. Like car crashes, bicycle crashes can happen at any time, involving not only children, but adults, many of whom are skilled riders. In fact, middle-aged adults represent the average age of bicycle riders killed and injured. Helmets are the single most effective piece of safety equipment for riders of all ages, if you crash.
One of the most important parts of wearing PPE, such as a helmet, is making sure that it fits properly. Making sure your helmet is properly fitted is a necessary and potentially lifesaving measure. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Association “The helmet should sit level on your head and low on your forehead— one or two finger-widths above your eyebrow. Side Straps: Adjust the slider on both straps to form a “V” shape under, and slightly in front of, the ears. Lock the slider if possible.”2
To ensure your helmet is right for you, measure the circumference of your head to find your size. Try on several helmets in your size to find one that feels comfortable. To properly secure this, put the helmet straight and level on your head and adjust the sizing pads (typically inside the helmet) or fit ring feature (typically on the back) until the helmet is snug. When buckling the straps, the buckle should sit snugly under the chin. The straps should be tightened at equal levels to ensure the buckle is in the middle of the head under the chin. You should not be able to fit more than two fingers under the strap and should feel the helmet become tighter when opening and closing your mouth. It is estimated that up to 85 percent of head injuries are preventative with proper use of helmets, such as those approved by The Snell Memorial Foundation, American National Standards Institute (ANSI), or American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM).3
Another large part of bicycle safety is following safe riding practices and understanding the rules of the road while biking. We are fortunate in the Capital Region of New York State to have many fantastic and safe bicycle trails and routes. There are many great guides to find both on and off-road bike trails in NYS such as the Empire State Trail Interactive Map and the NYS Bike Routes Viewer.
If you find yourself out and about enjoying the Empire State Trail or another NYS bike route that takes you on a section of the road, be mindful of your surroundings, stay to the right riding on the same side as all traffic, and avoid riding on sidewalks. Ensure that you do a check of your bike before heading out for a ride, making sure that your brakes are intact, there is nothing on or in the way of the chain (including loose clothing or improper footwear), and that the tires are properly inflated.
For those with limited mobility or concerns about balance in relation to their seizures or another type of disability that conventional bicycles might not be a safe option for, there are alternative options to still get out and get some exercise while limiting risks! Options such as recumbent bikes, tricycles, handcycles, and others might offer the right amount of support with added safety measures to allow for more freedom and opportunity to exercise outdoors. There are even tandem options for wheelchair users and their caregivers to enjoy a ride together.
Please speak with your doctor about which option might be right for you. The information, including text, graphics, images and other material on this website and provided by the Epilepsy Foundation of Northeastern New York, is for informational purposes only. No material on this site is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
If you are interested in learning more about seizure first aid or bicycle safety, please reach out to our team by calling (518) 456-7501 or visiting our website for additional resources.
References
https://www.aans.org/patients/conditions-treatments/sports-related-head-injury/