Bike Helmets Save Lives, Here are 5 Helmets for Women We Love

Guys, not-so-newsy newsflash: Bike helmets save lives. (More specifically: Bike helmet laws save lives.) This really should be obvious, but given the number of people I see on a daily basis who clearly haven't gotten the memo, it's something we need to talk about. According to brand-new research out of Boston Children's Hospital, states with bicycle helmet requirements have significantly lower rates of deaths and "incapacitating injuries" after bicycle-motor vehicle collisions.

The study, presented today at the Pediatric Academic Societies annual meeting, has led its authors to recommend that all cyclists -- regardless of age -- wear helmets; they also support more laws to make them mandatory for all. Currently only 21 states and the District of Columbia require bike helmets, and even then, only for children. So while the study could only examine the impact of these youth helmet laws, it's safe to assume that helmets protect adult cyclists, as well.

About 900 people die each year in bicycle crashes, three-quarters of them from head injuries. And yes, it's important to ride cautiously and to know the rules of the road; but there are some things -- like, um, cars -- that you simply can't control. So be safe and wear a helmet, every time you get on your bike. Need a new one? Here are five of our faves.

Liv/giant Women's Orion Helmet: Not sure if you're a S, M or L? This model is one size fits most, with a removable visor to shade your eyes from the sun. $55, giant-bicycles.com

Specialized Andorra Mountain Biking Helmet: Most of Specialized's 2013 women's helmets have a "hairport" -- that's a larger-than-normal space in the back designed for your ponytail to fit through. Brilliant! This one offers extended coverage that's great for mountain bikers. $75, specialized.com

Bern Lenox Helmet: We wrote about this one back during snowboarding season, but the smart all-weather design deserves another mention. Just swap out the liners for summer or winter activities! $64.99 bernunlimited.com

Giro Air Attack Shield: At a higher price point, this new model is for ladies who are striving for a new PR, whether in a time trial race or a triathlon. Its aerodynamic design slices through the air (without looking totally ridiculous like those super pointy helmets) and has a magnetic attachment to protect your eyes. $240, giro.com

Lazer Kiss Helmet: This women's design, from the world's oldest helmet manufacturer still in business, uses a dial on top of the helmet to adjust the fit -- that means no band across the back of the head to cut off your ponytail. $60, lazersport.com

What helmet will you rock this summer? Tweet us at @amandaemac and @SELFmagazine.

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