ASTM F2032-22

Standard Specification for Helmets Used for BMX Cycling

ABSTRACT
This specification covers performance requirements for helmets used in BMX cycling. Studies have shown higher risk to the head and face for this sport as compared to recreational street riding; So this specification requires impact protection over a larger area of the head. Performance criteria for helmets equipped with chin bars are provided. Retention system tests shall be performed before impact testing. The chin bar rigidity test applies to helmets with a chin bar only.
SCOPE
1.1 This specification covers performance requirements for helmets used in BMX cycling. Studies have shown higher risk to the head and face for this sport as compared to recreational street riding; therefore, this specification requires impact protection over a larger area of the head than Specification F1447 and the CPSC standard. This specification also provides performance criteria for helmets equipped with chin bars.  
1.2 All testing and requirements of this specification shall be in accordance with Test Methods F1446 except where noted herein.  
1.3 Partial utilization of this specification is prohibited. Any statement of compliance with this specification shall be a certification that the headgear with faceguard meets all of the requirements of the specification in their entirety. A headgear with faceguard that fails to meet any one of the requirements of this specification is considered to have failed the specification, and shall not be sold with any indication that it meets parts of the specification.  
1.4 Headgear designed to comply with this and other standards may proclaim uses as certified by the manufacturer.  
1.5 This standard is subject to revision at any time by ASTM. It must be reviewed every five years and if not revised either reapproved or withdrawn. References to the standard must include the version date. No references to a version that has been replaced or withdrawn shall be placed on any product or its packaging manufactured more than 24 months after the effective revision or withdrawal date. Go to astm.org to verify the latest version of this standard.  
1.6 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard.  
1.7 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.  
1.8 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 14-Jun-2022
• ICS: 13.340.20 - Head protective equipment
• Technical Committee: F08 - Sports Equipment, Playing Surfaces, and Facilities
• Drafting Committee: F08.53 - Headgear and Helmets

Relations

• Refers: ASTM F1447-18 - Standard Specification for Helmets Used in Recreational Bicycling or Roller Skating
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2018
• Refers: ASTM F1447-12 - Standard Specification for Helmets Used in Recreational Bicycling or Roller Skating
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2012
• Refers: ASTM F1447-06 - Standard Specification for Helmets Used in Recreational Bicycling or Roller Skating
• Effective Date: 01-May-2006
• Refers: ASTM F1447-02 - Standard Specification for Helmets Used in Recreational Bicycling or Roller Skating
• Effective Date: 10-Nov-2002
• Refers: ASTM F1447-99a - Standard Specification for Protective Headgear Used in Bicycling
• Effective Date: 10-Nov-1999

Overview

ASTM F2032-22: Standard Specification for Helmets Used for BMX Cycling establishes comprehensive performance requirements for helmets designed specifically for BMX cycling. Recognizing the increased risk to the head and face in BMX activities compared to recreational street riding, this standard requires impact protection over a broader area and sets additional criteria for helmets with chin bars. Developed by ASTM Committee F08 on Sports Equipment, this standard ensures that BMX helmets provide an enhanced level of safety, addressing retention systems, impact energy management, and chin bar rigidity. Compliance with this standard demonstrates a helmet’s effectiveness in mitigating BMX-specific head and facial injury risks.

Key Topics

Key elements covered in ASTM F2032-22 include:

• Extended Impact Protection: Helmets must protect a larger head area than those covered by standards for recreational bicycling or roller skating.
• Chin Bar Performance: For helmets equipped with chin bars, the standard specifies additional rigidity and impact tests to ensure adequate protection of the face and jaw.
• Retention System Testing: The helmet’s retention system (straps and fasteners) is tested for strength and reliability before impact testing. It must remain intact and not stretch beyond specified limits.
• Impact Testing Procedures: Helmets undergo multiple impacts at various locations above a specially-defined test line, simulating typical BMX accident scenarios, using different anvil shapes and impact velocities.
• Projections and Helmet Interior: Restrictions are set on helmet projections to minimize snagging or injury, and limits are placed on the size of any features that protrude into the helmet interior.
• Sample Requirements: Multiple helmet samples, including variants with and without chin bars, are tested to confirm consistent performance across product lines.
• Labelling and Warnings: Helmets certified to this standard must include clear labeling indicating suitability for "BMX bicycle riding and racing" and meet marking requirements for regulatory traceability.

Applications

Practical uses and benefits of ASTM F2032-22:

• BMX Helmet Manufacturers: Provides a clear benchmark for designing, developing, and certifying BMX helmets that offer enhanced head and facial protection.
• Testing Laboratories: Outlines uniform testing methods, including impact locations, velocities, and retention system evaluation, ensuring accurate and consistent helmet performance assessments.
• Regulatory Authorities: Supports consumer protection and product certification schemes by providing a recognized, internationally-oriented safety standard tailored specifically to the risks of BMX cycling.
• Retailers and Distributors: Assures that helmets marketed as BMX-specific meet stringent safety requirements, supporting consumer confidence and legal compliance.
• BMX Riders and Event Organizers: Assists in selecting and recommending helmets that have demonstrated superior protection against the unique dangers of BMX cycling, including face and jaw injuries.

Related Standards

ASTM F2032-22 references and builds upon several relevant standards:

• ASTM F1446 - Test Methods for Equipment and Procedures Used in Evaluating the Performance Characteristics of Protective Headgear: Establishes the laboratory protocols and apparatus used for helmet impact, retention, and projection tests referenced in F2032.
• ASTM F1447 - Specification for Helmets Used in Recreational Bicycling or Roller Skating: Addresses basic helmet requirements for less hazardous cycling activities; F2032 enhances these requirements for the additional risks found in BMX.
• CPSC Bicycle Helmet Standard - Sets baseline requirements in the United States for recreational cycling helmets; ASTM F2032 exceeds these for BMX-specific hazards.

Keywords: BMX helmets, helmet safety standards, ASTM F2032-22, chin bar, impact protection, protective headgear, retention system testing, BMX cycling safety

For the latest version of this international standard and further details, refer to ASTM International.

Standards Content (Sample)

This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation:F2032 −22 An American National Standard
Standard Specification for
Helmets Used for BMX Cycling
This standard is issued under the fixed designation F2032; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope 1.8 This international standard was developed in accor-
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
1.1 This specification covers performance requirements for
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
helmets used in BMX cycling. Studies have shown higher risk
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
to the head and face for this sport as compared to recreational
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
street riding; therefore, this specification requires impact pro-
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
tection over a larger area of the head than Specification F1447
and the CPSC standard. This specification also provides
2. Referenced Documents
performance criteria for helmets equipped with chin bars.
2.1 ASTM Standards:
1.2 All testing and requirements of this specification shall
F1446 Test Methods for Equipment and Procedures Used in
be in accordance withTest Methods F1446 except where noted
Evaluating the Performance Characteristics of Protective
herein.
Headgear
1.3 Partial utilization of this specification is prohibited.Any F1447 Specification for Helmets Used in Recreational Bicy-
statement of compliance with this specification shall be a cling or Roller Skating
certification that the headgear with faceguard meets all of the
3. Labels and Warnings
requirements of the specification in their entirety. A headgear
withfaceguardthatfailstomeetanyoneoftherequirementsof
3.1 Shall meet the requirements of Test Methods F1446.
this specification is considered to have failed the specification,
3.2 Shall have the words “For BMX bicycle riding and
and shall not be sold with any indication that it meets parts of
racing.”
the specification.
4. Marking the Test Line
1.4 Headgear designed to comply with this and other
standards may proclaim uses as certified by the manufacturer.
4.1 The test line is shown in Fig. 1 and shall be marked in
accordance with Test Methods F1446.
1.5 This standard is subject to revision at any time by
ASTM. It must be reviewed every five years and if not revised
5. Conditioning and Number of Samples
either reapproved or withdrawn. References to the standard
5.1 Shall be in accordance with Test Methods F1446.
must include the version date. No references to a version that
has been replaced or withdrawn shall be placed on any product
5.2 The test requires a minimum of four samples of each
or its packaging manufactured more than 24 months after the
shell/liner combination, with a fifth sample required for full
effective revision or withdrawal date. Go to astm.org to verify
face helmets with a chin bar.
the latest version of this standard.
6. Retention System Testing
1.6 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as
6.1 Retention system tests shall be performed before impact
standard.
testing.
1.7 This standard does not purport to address all of the
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the 6.2 The ambient helmet shall be subjected to the Roll-Off
Test of Test Methods F1446 usinga4kg drop mass from a
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter- height of 0.6 m.
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
6.3 The retention system shall remain intact and the helmet
shall remain on the headform.
This specification is under the jurisdiction ofASTM Committee F08 on Sports
Equipment, Playing Surfaces, and Facilities and is the direct responsibility of
Subcommittee F08.53 on Headgear and Helmets. For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
Current edition approved June 15, 2022. Published July 2022. Originally contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
approved in 2000. Last previous edition approved in 2015 as F2032 – 15. DOI: Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
10.1520/F2032-22. the ASTM
...

This document is not an ASTM standard and is intended only to provide the user of an ASTM standard an indication of what changes have been made to the previous version. Because
it may not be technically possible to adequately depict all changes accurately, ASTM recommends that users consult prior editions as appropriate. In all cases only the current version
of the standard as published by ASTM is to be considered the official document.
Designation: F2032 − 15 F2032 − 22 An American National Standard
Standard Specification for
Helmets Used for BMX Cycling
This standard is issued under the fixed designation F2032; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope
1.1 This specification covers performance requirements for helmets used in BMX cycling. Studies have shown higher risk to the
head and face for this sport as compared to recreational street riding; therefore, this specification requires impact protection over
a larger area of the head than Specification F1447 and the CPSC standard. This specification also provides performance criteria
for helmets equipped with chin bars.
1.2 All testing and requirements of this specification shall be in accordance with Test Methods F1446 except where noted herein.
1.3 Partial utilization of this specification is prohibited. Any statement of compliance with this specification shall be a certification
that the headgear with faceguard meets all of the requirements of the specification in their entirety. A headgear with faceguard that
fails to meet any one of the requirements of this specification is considered to have failed the specification, and shall not be sold
with any indication that it meets parts of the specification.
1.4 Headgear designed to comply with this and other standards may proclaim uses as certified by the manufacturer.
1.5 This standard is subject to revision at any time by ASTM. It must be reviewed every five years and if not revised either
reapproved or withdrawn. References to the standard must include the version date. No references to a version that has been
replaced or withdrawn shall be placed on any product or its packaging manufactured more than 24 months after the effective
revision or withdrawal date. Go to astm.org to verify the latest version of this standard.
1.6 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard.
1.7 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility
of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety safety, health, and healthenvironmental practices and determine the
applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.8 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization
established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued
by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee F08 on Sports Equipment, Playing Surfaces, and Facilities and is the direct responsibility of
Subcommittee F08.53 on Headgear and Helmets.
Current edition approved May 15, 2015June 15, 2022. Published June 2015July 2022. Originally approved in 2000. Last previous edition approved in 20112015 as
F2032 – 06 (2011).F2032 – 15. DOI: 10.1520/F2032-15.10.1520/F2032-22.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM Standards
volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on the ASTM website.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
F2032 − 22
F1446 Test Methods for Equipment and Procedures Used in Evaluating the Performance Characteristics of Protective Headgear
F1447 Specification for Helmets Used in Recreational Bicycling or Roller Skating
3. Labels and Warnings
3.1 Shall meet the requirements of Test Methods F1446.
3.2 Shall have the words “For BMX bicycle riding and racing.”
4. Marking the Test Line
4.1 The test line is shown in Fig. 1 and shall be marked in accordance with Test Methods F1446.
5. Conditioning and Number of Samples
5.1 Shall be in accordance with Test Methods F1446.
5.2 The test requires a minimum of four samples of each shell/liner combination, with a fifth sample required for full face helmets
with a chin bar.
Dimension
Headform
Size
X L/2 Y R S T U
A 24.0 88.0 89.7 38.0 23.0 142
...