Consumer Reports tests safest bicycle helmets

Bike season has kicked into full gear and wearing a helmet is a must.

90% of bicyclists killed in the past two decades were not wearing a helmet.

In fact, in Pennsylvania, it's the law for children under the age of 13.

But what is the safest, most reliable helmet you can buy?

Consumer Reports tested 23 helmets and found some good choices for both adults and children.

Joseph Colon had a serious accident on his bike two years ago.

"I broke my collarbone, punctured my lung. I am very thankful I had that helmet, otherwise I'm sure the injuries would have been far more severe, brain damage, anything," said Colon.

Consumer Reports crash tested several helmets to see how well they will protect you.

A sensor detects how much force would be transmitted to the rider's head in a crash.

A second test checks the strength of the chin strap.

One helmet, the Cannondale Teramo, didn't pass because it could come off in an accident.

In four of the five samples tested, the buckle snapped or broke into pieces - although Consumer Reports is not aware of any injuries as a result of the issue.

"The company told us it stands behind its third-party independent test results, but we don't recommend buying the Cannondale Teramo," said Sue Byrne of Consumer Reports.

Consumer Reports' top-rated helmet was the Scott Arx Plus, which sells for $150.

"It scored excellent in impact resistance and fit adjustments. It was very good for ventilation and it's also a lightweight helmet," said Rich Handel of Consumer Reports.

Consumer Reports best buys that cost far less include the Lazer Cyclone for $45 and the Schwinn Merge for just $12.

They also tested children's helmets and top-rated the Bontrager Solstice Youth for $40.

Be careful how you handle your helmet. Don't keep it in the trunk of your car because heat can affect performance.

And avoid getting even minor dents into the lining, which is what absorbs the impact.

If you're in an accident, replace your helmet even if you can't see any damage.

For information on how to properly fit a helmet, visit: http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/news/2015/04/get-the-right-bike-helmet-fit/index.htm

Indego, Philadelphia's new bike rental system, encourages its members to wear helmets and offers them 10% off a helmet purchase at participating retailers.

Click here for a list of retail locations.

Indego currently does not offer a way to rent helmets right now, but is looking at pilot programs in other cities that provide rental helmets.