Let’s face it; no-one wants to wear a helmet when they ride. We’d much rather sport a summery straw number or a jauntily angled fedora; or better yet, let our waxen, flaxen hair flow behind us like streamers from our childhood handlebars.

safety first

I’m more than happy to give someone a piece of my mind but, if possible, I don’t want to leave pieces of it on the road. The problem is, no matter which of my helmets I wear, I feel like a dork; like the kid with the over-protective parent (I’m pretty sure if my mom had her way I’d be wearing knee and elbow pads too and only riding in the park).

style at last

Recognizing that sometimes statistics aren’t enough to convince cyclists to don a lid, the latest helmets have done for protective gear what Twilight did for pale people. Here are some of our favourite new stars.

nutcase & sawako furuno

Yes, Nutcase and Sawako Furuno are still very much helmets but so much cooler than the rest. We love the nutcase slogan: “I love my brain” and the watermelon design is a great reminder of what would happen if our own melons were to hit the pavement. We also love the designs from Sawako Furuno and the attitude that if you’re going to wear a helmet, at least have fun with it.

yakkay

These helmets put the “yay” in Yakkay (somehow). The cool looking hats are just a disguise; they can be slipped off and changed to match your outfit. One of our favourites is this horse helmet design we saw on Garance Doré. The compact helmet has been designed to meet rigorous European safety standard. Safety and style: first equal.

lacoste cork

One of our lululemon alumni, Kyle Ferguson, designed the lacoste cork helmet concept as part of a project at Emily Carr. Though not yet in production, the cork helmet takes a great step away from the traditional plastic-not-so-fantastic helmets and feels more like a piece of clothing, less like a haz-mat outfit. If you want to see this helmet become a reality, contact Kyle.

There’s a theory that drivers drive more carefully around cyclists with helmets; they presume that someone confident enough to ride without one knows what they’re doing. How does a helmet that doesn’t look like a helmet fit into that theory?

we asked

We’re looking for suggestions for first time riders. What’s the best bike for a casual ride?
- @lululemon

you answered

• Anything with 2 wheels and brakes! As long as you're out riding, the kind of bike does not matter. But a city cruiser is great. - @tpieprzak
• I have an Electra cruiser ~ perfect for exploring city or country areas. Plus, their paint jobs are so unique and playful! -@bySutton
• I love my bike, it is a Diamondback Edgewood. It is a hybrid between a cruiser and a road-bike. - @thekelseyadele
• Trek PDX, FX or 700 series. All affordable, comfy and zippy rides. - @sunnypickels247

we asked

Road warriors: share your bike safety tips with us. We’ll share the best ones with everyone!
- @lululemon

you answered

• Always make eye contact with drivers, especially at intersections. That makes them doubly aware of your presence! - @candrews
• Basic but protect your lemon, always wear a helmet! Bike on the right, pass on the left & let people know with an 'on your left’. - @starsinthecity
• Do NOT ride on the shoulder, too much debris and too easy to run off. use a lane, share the road means share, not hide. - @daynya
• Ride in a predictable manner and remember that your bike tends to follow the direction your head turns. Predictable=safe. -@raflopez
• Communication, communication, communication. Hand signals and verbally for other riders. -@jacqimoore

Want to share your wisdom in 140 characters or less? Follow us on Twitter. If you'd like to suggest a topic, feel free to email askanexpert@lululemon.com. See you next week!