Consumer Reports tests bicycle helmet safety

NEW YORK (WABC) -- With the weather warming up, a lot of people will be heading out to ride bikes in Central Park and all around the area.

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

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

Joseph Colon never rides a bike without a helmet, especially since a serious accident 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 tests helmets to see how well they will protect you in an accident.

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

A second Consumer Reports test checks the strength of the chin strap.

One helmet, the Cannondale Teramo, didn't pass, and may pose a safety risk because it could come off in an accident. In four of the five samples tested, the buckle snapped or broke into pieces.

"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.

However, Consumer Reports did find several good choices. Top-rated - the Scott Arx Plus 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.

And Consumer Reports found several other Best Buys that cost far less, including the Lazer Cyclone for $45 and the Schwinn Merge for just $12.

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