1. A helmet should manage as much energy as possible in a very hard crash, keeping g levels in lab testing as low as possible, but certainly below 200 g for a two meter drop. In a lesser crash it should keep g's below 75.

2. A helmet should have a strong strap that keeps it on your head after the first impact (car) for the second impact (street). Child and toddler helmets should also have a buckle that holds firm in a crash but releases after 5 seconds of steady pull to avoid strangling a child who climbs trees or uses playground equipment with their helmet still on and gets caught.

3. A helmet should be easy to adjust properly or self-adjusting, and designed to encourage a good fit without excessive fiddling. Once adjusted, the adjustments should stay put.

4. A helmet should be comfortable to wear: cool, light, unobtrusive to the user and fashionable in appearance.

5. A helmet should be as smooth and round as possible on the outside to prevent snagging in a crash. It should not have an "aero" tail that can shove it sideways in a crash and leave the rider's head unprotected.

6. A helmet should provide for mounting of a mirror and a visor with breakaway mounts. If it has a visor, it must be shatterproof.

7. A helmet should be highly visible to motorists both night and day.

8. A helmet should be durable, easily cleaned, and should not scuff or dent in normal use.

9. A helmet should come with clear, understandable instructions for fitting and use.

10. A helmet should be cheap (affordable price) and readily available in retail stores, including but not limited to local bicycle shops.