The helmet and its improvements for safety. Bicycles, the only way we got around as children, and as adults it's also the only way we get around, because cars are mainstream. Safety is an issue when it comes to cycling and that is why helmets are an important factor when it comes to bicycle safety. Each year in the United States, nearly 900 people die from injuries related to bicycle accidents, and more than 500,000 people are treated in emergency departments. Head injuries are by far the biggest concern for cyclists, causing one-third of emergency room visits, two-thirds of hospital admissions and three-quarters of deaths. There are other injuries such as facial injuries, which occur at a rate almost identical to that of head injuries. It's hard to believe that helmets are protective against head injuries, but it's important to establish how effective helmets really are. Since the beginning of cycling there have been head injuries. Head injuries increased as more roads were paved. The materials used to pave the roads are macadam and asphalt and are unforgiving of accidents. During the 1800s high wheel users in clubs began wearing field helmets and noticed that head injuries were becoming a problem. A helmet made of crushable material like Pith was probably the best option at the time. On impact with the ground the material broke, but then there were fewer cars, roads and races, so it was designed for a single impact. At the turn of the century many cyclists began using “helmets” made of leather-covered padding, initially with a leather ring around the head and a wool ring on top. Soon the style changed, the leather ring around the head was complemented by... half of paper... it may seem, it can save your life or prevent any traumatic injuries. The technology is improving and so is the ongoing series of tests. Cycling clubs and riders are trying to protect themselves as much as possible and are happy to see that helmets will improve as the years go by. In conclusion, the helmet was a great help in preventing further head injuries. The helmet has been improved over the years and has served its purpose ever since it was born. We are in the year 2013 and yet scientists are trying to improve the helmet as much as possible, the future that will come from the helmet is very bright. There are faster and stronger cars out there, so cyclists are bound to get hit more, the helmet still needs to get stronger. Personally helmets are an important part of me, I really like cycling, but I know it involves a lot of safety.