Whether or not to wear a helmet when bicycling is a contentious topic among some avid cyclists, but for me the decision is a no-brainer. Maybe going over the handlebars as a young adult helped me make up my mind that helmets are worthwhile. Or maybe it was three years working with head trauma patients in an extended care facility that did it. Whatever the exact reason, it just makes sense to me to wear an approved bike helmet.

Modern bike helmets are so lightweight that you’ll hardly notice you’re wearing one. They might look silly, but the characteristics of modern bike helmets each have purpose. When you take a fall, the helmet is designed to skid, not stick. Heat cooks the brain, and in addition to drinking plenty of water and energy drink, keeping your head ventilated helps prevent your brain and body from cooking. The vents in bike helmets let hot air out and a cooling breeze in. Bright colors show up better out on the road, and that’s all to the good. You want motorists to see you so that you don’t become a splotch on their grills. Lighter shades reflect the sun’s rays better than dark colors, too.

If you ride a bike, get a bike helmet. If you can’t get one to fit you for a price you can afford at a local store, shop around. A hint: Cheaper helmets are better for older heads than the expensive ones. Expensive helmets tend to have less protective foam than the cheaper lids, and as our bodies age, our brains become more vulnerable to impact injuries, so we need all the padding we can get.

Where to find helmets? Campmor, Nashbar and Performance Bike are three reliable national retail companies which sell reasonably priced helmets. Not only do these companies sell a wide range of styles at every price point, but they have frequent sales. You can find a good bargain if you shop a bit. Choose one that suits your piggy bank and style. Then wear it every time you ride, even if you’re just going to the store down the road. Someday you — and your loved ones — could be glad you took the trouble to clip on your helmet.