ANSI and Snell?

[Neist]

Okay, Ive got a really dumb question for you folks.

Ive never done any organized riding of any kind, but Ive been riding bikes for years. Well theres a non competitive ride coming up in mid July and I figure, hey, I'll do it! It sounds fun. But the deal is that they require an ANSI or Snell approved helmet. I tried googling it and I found little to nothing helpful.

I suppose most name brand helmets concur with these standards (just like USDOT for motorcycle helmets), but I cant seem to find any marking on mine. I have a Giro Indicator.

So the question is, will the helmet police come arrest me if I show up to this ride with it?

[CommuterRun]

Didn't we just have this question not long ago? It's like deja vu all over again.;) :D

This site explains the different standards.
http://www.helmets.org/standard.htm

I think the best thing to do is ask the club. Sounds to me like their rules need to be updated, since ANSI is no longer in use and almost nobody uses the Snell standards anymore.

[supcom]

First of all, nobody is going to inspect the inside of your helmet for the proper certification sticker.

Second, all helmets sold in the US are required by law to meet the current CPSC standards. If you bought your helmet anytime in the last several years, you have an appropriate helmet. If you have a very old helmet (especially if it has no hard shell, then you need to get a new one anyway.

But nobody is going to check your helmet at the ride in any case.

[bike2math]

Rules like this are just to protect them from you. No one will care what helmet you have.

[Neist]

Sorry for the silly question, but thanks folks ;) I figured about as much.

[DieselDan]

All helmets sold in the USA are now CPSC certified, not ANSI or Snell. The organizers need to to keep up with the times. Just wear the one you have, I've never seen a certification inspection ever.