Bicycle Safety
Learn about bicycle safety and where to find free helmets and helmet fittings.
Bicycle helmets are a necessary safety device and should by worn by everyone whenever riding on a bike, scooter, or skateboard. Helmets protect the head by absorbing the impact of a hit or blow. According to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, safety certified helmets reduce head injuries by 85% when worn properly.
In many situations, helmets save lives and prevent lifelong disabilities.
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1010 Massachusetts Ave
2nd floor
BOSTON, MA 02118
Free Helmets and Helmet Fittings
A properly fitted helmet is essential for every bike ride.
Many health insurance plans will provide bicycle helmets or reimburse them. If yours does not, there are multiple organizations that offer free helmets and fittings to Boston residents.
Questions? Email fitness@bphc.org.
All Dorchester Sports and Leadership
ADSL offers sports programming to youth in order to build self-esteem, leadership skills, and healthy lifestyles. Helmets are given out to children involved with the organization, at events, and by request.
Allston-Brighton Community development corpOration
Allston-Brighton CDC aims to build a strong and stable community through community engagement and addressing housing instability. They have drop in hours Monday through Wednesday from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. at 1287B Commonwealth Ave., Allston, MA 02134. Contact Carmen Pena at Pena@allstonbrightoncdc.org or 671-787-3874 Ext. 201.
Allston-Brighton Health Collaborative
This public health non-profit works to meet the health needs in the neighborhoods of Brighton and Allston by improving access to health resources. The collaborative hosts monthly Learn to BlueBike events where helmets are distributed.
NeighborHealth
This organization uses its network of community health centers to increase healthcare access for Boston residents. Clients should reach out to South End or East Boston locations if in need of bicycle helmets.
South Boston Neighborhood House
For the past several summers, SBNH has taught children to ride bikes as a part of the Boston Bikes program. Residents of SBNH or those who live near by can reach out to program staff about how to participate or receive a helmet.
Youth Enrichment Services
YES has been serving Boston children since 1968. They are a non-profit that focus on getting thousands on children in Boston to send time engaging in physical activities and being outdoors. Helmets are distributed to families as a part of three major bike events: The Bike Safety event in May, Spring 2026 Outdoor Adventure Biking Program, and at the Summer Camp and Track & Field programs.
Every year, our Injury Prevention program and the Active Living program sponsor the Building Bicycle Helmet Equity Grant. This grant rewards community partners with hundreds of helmets to distribute to Boston residents free of charge along with ensuring a proper fit. Reward amounts are based on budget capacities and the quality of submitted proposals.
How to Fit a Helmet
Helmets must be fitted properly to protect the head from a fall. If you have bigger or thicker hair, find a helmet with an adjustment dial or size up, and use extra padding. Wear a bandana, buff, or baseball hat under your helmet to reduce hair volume and get a tighter fit. Always buckle the chin strap and follow the guidelines below on how to fit a helmet well:
- Eyes: Position the helmet on your head to be 1-2 finger widths above the eyebrows. When you look up, you should see the helmet.
- Ears: Adjust the side straps on both sides to form a "V" shape under your ear.
- Mouth: Buckle the chin strap and open your mouth wide to make sure the strap is snug and secure.
Check to make sure the helmet fits securely by shaking your head up and down, then side to side. If the helmet moves around, it may need to by tightened. Gaping on the side may mean a smaller sized helmet is needed. You can figure out the right size helmet for you by measuring the circumference of your head and reading the sizing label on the helmet.
Helmet Maintenance
- Every helmet can withstand one hit. After this, you'll need to replace your helmet since it may have internal damage.
- Heat can cause damage to your helmet. Leaving it outside on a hot day or in a car in the warmer months can damage a perfectly good helmet. After every ride, wipe your helmet down, let it air dry, and store it in a cool dry place.
- All helmets have an expiration date. Inside each helmet is a sticker with the date it was made. Write down your purchase date on that sticker. Helmets have a replacement recommendation of 3 - 5 years. After around 3 years of helmet use, check with the manufacturer's replacement recommendation.
What is a concussion?
A severe or untreated concussion can have long-term consequences. These include: epilepsy, an increased risk for Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, mood disorders, and other brain-related disorders. Many times it takes several hours or days for symptoms to appear. Concussion symptoms may be different or harder to recognize in children under 5, those with disabilities, and older adults, especially those living with Dementia.
Symptoms of a concussion include:
- headache
- nausea or vomiting
- dizziness or trouble balancing
- Memory and attention problems
- Sleep disturbances
- Heightened emotions like angry outbursts, sudden anxiety, or uncontrollable sadness
Remember, wearing a helmet can significantly decrease your risk of concussions while riding a bike.
Bicycle Resources
Youth Bike Program
Boston Bikes offers a variety of youth biking programs and events. Check out our free bike programs for children and young people!
BlueBikes
Bluebikes is public transportation by bike! With more than 5,300 bikes and 595 stations, it's a fast, fun, and affordable way to get around Metro Boston.
Adult Bike Workshops
Whether you never learned to ride or you’re looking to pick up some new bike skills, we’re here for you! The new season of workshops will start in late Spring of 2026.
Additional Resources
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1010 Massachusetts Ave
2nd floor
BOSTON, MA 02118
