Warmer weather in Allegheny County means more cyclists traversing the city’s miles of riverfront trails and an increase in biking commuters on roadways.

It’s also a good time to think about the last time you replaced your bike helmet.

Most internet searches for this question will tell you about three to five years. But how accurate is that estimate — and why should you replace your bike helmet at all?

Why do I need to replace my helmet?

Cyclist deaths on roadways have been increasing since 2014, according to U.S. Department of Transportation data, and wearing a helmet is associated with a reduction in head injury and death.

Wearing a helmet “does definitely increase safety and prevent fractured skulls,” said Marco Alcala, director of sports medicine at Allegheny Health Network Pediatr

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