History of Helmets

• The potential for injury and death—especially from head injuries—was recognized early in the use of bicycles and motorcycles.
  
  
  • Early bicycles with a large front wheel and small rear wheel were notorious for sending a rider over the handlebars from a dangerous height.
    
    
  • Early motorcycle racing, known as board racing around a wood board track, often resulted in spectacular crashes from loose boards and close racing.
  
  
• Helmets evolved slowly, and initially without scientific basis.
  
  
  • Early helmets used various materials such as pith (spongy material from plants) or leather and served to cushion the rider’s head from other objects during a crash. They weren’t very effective, but they represented all that was available at the time.
    
    
  • Advances in technology and crash mechanical studies brought improved function and design for bicycle and motorcycle helmets.
    
    
  • Helmet improvements include the shape of helmets, the introduction of plastics, improvement in methods of securing the helmet to the head, and the layering of materials.