What is the minimum safety standard a helmet must meet to be effective?

The minimum safety standard for a helmet to be effective is to meet the CPSC (Consumer Product Safety Commission) standard. This standard was established to ensure that helmets provide an adequate level of protection in case of impact. The CPSC standard includes specific requirements for impact resistance, retention system effectiveness, and the helmet's ability to reduce head injury risk during accidents.

Meeting this standard means that the helmet has undergone rigorous testing to ensure it can withstand the forces involved in a fall or crash, which is essential for protecting the wearer's head. Helmets that comply with CPSC guidelines are considered safe for use while biking and other activities where head protection is crucial.

While other standards like the ISO standard can be relevant, the CPSC standard is specifically designed for consumer helmets intended for activities like cycling in the United States, making it the most critical benchmark for effectiveness and safety in this context. Approval by local biking communities and passing only a visual inspection do not guarantee that a helmet will adequately protect the wearer in the event of an accident.