How to Make a Lighted Cycle Helmet

Many types of lights can be mounted on bicycle handlebars, but there is only one type of light that is safe to mount on a helmet. A helmet light should have a breakaway design that allows the light to break free upon impact. Otherwise, according to the Bicycle Helmet Safety Institute, "You risk having your neck jerked when (a fixed helmet light) snags on the pavement or a tree. Besides jerking your neck, that can add to the g's of the shock to your brain when you hit pavement." Avoid unnecessary injury by adding a breakaway light to your helmet.

Things You'll Need

  • Bicycle helmet
  • Light with breakaway mount
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Instructions

    • 1

      Remove any inner liner from you bicycle helmet that might prevent your light from being mounted securely. Make sure you know how to replace it once removed.

    • 2

      Affix the helmet light securely to your helmet, following directions that come with the light. The strap and mounting unit should be put on first, with the headlamp added last. Cinch the strap as tight as possible, then attach the headlamp, making certain it clicks into place.

    • 3

      Adjust the angle of your helmet light. It should not point any light onto your helmet. Adjust the light in a dark room or outside where you can see the beam projected on a wall in the distance.

    • 4

      Test your helmet light in low-light conditions around your neighborhood before starting out on a long ride. This will allow you to see how much light is provided by the helmet lamp, and you can gauge the speed at which you need to ride, as it may vary from light to dark.