Use your head - What's New? Holiday Gifts Galore - bicycle helmets - Product/Service Evaluation

USA Today (Society for the Advancement of Education), Nov, 2003

Sometimes, even world leaders need a reminder to use their head. Earlier this year when George Bush fell off a scooter, Bell Sports, Santa Cruz, Calif., sent the President and the First Family a set of safety helmets for biking, skating, blading, and riding scooters.

Since many states mandate helmets for kids 16 and under, some 69% of children now regularly wear a helmet, while only 18% of adults do so, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission. The use of a bicycle helmet has been proven effective at reducing the risk of brain injury by up to 88%. Since more bicycles are sold in December than any other month--after all, is there a better Christmas or Hanukkah present than a brand-new bike?--parents also would be wise to invest in safety for their cruising offspring.

Long known for its quality headgear--the company designed the first lightweight ventilated bike helmet in 1985--Bell offers value packs based on popular themes and play patterns, which make great gifts for boys and girls from toddler--age up to 14.

For our oldest, the Glitter Girl ($19.99) proved perfect in pink. The helmet itself features top and back vents for more efficient cooling, a rear reflector to enhance visibility, and extra interior pads for a better fit. The add-ons include a hip minipurse filled with nail polish and body glitter and a large sheet of stickers to decorate the matching 20-oz. water bottle.

The Roarrring Lion ($19.99) is a a hit with our two boys, and why not? The yellow coloring makes it a real eye--popper, as do the black trim and silver lions that adorn either side. To help ensure a successful exploration of the wilds of suburbia, it comes with binoculars and a flashlight.

Toddlers just joining the bike-riding ranks will love "Funny Fish" ($19.99)--decorated with lots of colorful kooky-looking creatures of the deep--whose features really stand out against the ocean-blue helmet. It has elbow and knee pads and a matching horn for fun.

Not only are our kids safe whenever they ride, but they turn heads wherever they go. Are you listening, Mr. President?