Helmets

Oregon is the perfect place to enjoy a bike ride, scooter, or time at the local skate park, but don't let a tragedy ruin your outing. Almost 200,000 children visit an emergency room every year because of a bike injury.

Wear a Properly Fitted Helmet

Most deaths are due to a head injury. A head injury is a brain injury. A helmet reduces your chances of a head injury by 88%. Keep in mind there are different styles of helmets for biking, skateboarding, or skiing.
How to fit a helmet (PDF) (Step-by-step instructions)

Properly Sized and Safe Bicycle

  • When on your bicycle, stand straddling the top bar so that both feet are flat on the ground
  • There should be 1-3 inches of space between you and the top bar
  • Make sure your seat, handlebars, and wheels fit tightly
  • Check and oil your chain regularly
  • Check your brakes to be sure they work well and are not sticking
  • Check your tires to ensure they have enough air and the proper tire pressure

Low-cost helmets

Get low-cost, safety-certified bicycle, skate, and ski helmets at Tom Sargent Children’s Safety Center located at Doernbecher Children’s Hospital Lobby. Please email the Tom Sargent Children’s Safety Center or call 503-418-5666 for more information.