Canada Adopts Child Bike Helmet Standard
1996
Summary: Canada's 1996 child bike helmet standard was too ambitious. Manufacturers could not meet it, and we don't know if it is still current or not.
Source:
Canada NewsWire
CSA INTRODUCES THE FIRST BIKE HELMET
STANDARD FOR YOUNG CHILDREN
TORONTO, June 3 /CNW/ - Having pioneered standards in helmet
safety, the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) marks another
milestone with its publication of North America's first requirements
covering helmets for children under age five.
"We are very pleased with this addition to CSA's cycling helmet
standard," says Pat Paladino, Vice-President, Standards Development.
"All previous standards were based on impact protection for adults.
But now Canada is leading the way in addressing the unique and
special requirements of young children."
In order to meet or exceed CSA requirements, bicycle helmets
must undergo a series of tests designed to simulate "real-life"
conditions like falling from a bike or running into a pole or tree.
They include an impact test on a flat anvil, a stability test and a
chin strap test.
The new bike helmet requirements are additional to the existing
CSA requirements for bicycle helmets for adults. Children's head
shapes are smaller and still growing. Since their heads are not
rigid, previous testing on rigid head forms did not adequately serve
their safety requirements. Helmets designed according to the new
requirements will have thicker, less dense energy-absorbing material
to better protect the heads of kids under the age of five.
"We think it's important, as responsible adults and parents, to
protect young children who are unable to make the right choices for
themselves," says Mr. Paladino. "As well as making sure our
children wear CSA-certified bike helmets, parents should always act
as positive role models and wear their own helmets when cycling."
Parents can look for helmets designed to the new requirements
beginning in the fall of 1996.
CSA is an independent, not-for-profit organisation which
operates nationally and internationally. It is a leader in the field
of standards development and the application of these standards
through product certification, quality registration, and information
products. CSA's primary goals are improving public safety, preserving
the environment and helping manufacturers become more competitive in
global markets.
For further information: Kathy Pashby, Continental Communications, (416) 964-5954
10:31e 03-JUN-96