A 15-year-old girl was enjoying her summer break as she rode her bicycle around the neighborhood. Deciding it would be fun to start jumping off of curbs, she did so.

However, Channell Brand forgot to check the quick release on her front tire. While in mid-air, it fell off.

"I wasn't wearing my helmet and I got major road rash," Brand said of her accident.

While Brand's injury wasn't too serious, most cyclists who are injured while not wearing a helmet experience serious or life-threatening injuries.

According to the Web site helmets.org, 95 percent of those killed in bicycle accidents were not wearing a helmet.

The Web site claims one out of eight bicycle injuries is related to the brain.

Susannah Pratt, an employee at Outdoor Unlimited and a former member of the University of New Hampshire cycling team, recommends a helmet.

"Hands down, the most important thing is to have a helmet," Pratt said.

The classic accident is a male, age 16 or older, enjoying a warm summer evening riding along a major road when he is suddenly hit by a vehicle.

This description fits the occasional cyclist and father of two, Simi Cazeau, who finds it hard to wear a helmet.

"If you want your kids to wear a helmet, make sure you're setting the example," Cazeau said. "I struggle wearing a helmet because I feel so ... [stupid] and I have never seen my dad wear a helmet."

It is estimated that a helmet could have prevented 45 to 88 percent of brain injuries.

Cazeau continues to try to wear his helmet because of his two boys.

"My boys always remind me to get their helmets before I take them out," Cazeau said. "I try to show excitement of being safe in wearing a helmet or buckling up because if you fuss about putting on your helmet, your kids will do it 10 times worse."

According to Angie Ferguson of news-press.com, over one million bicycles are bought each year. Many people ride bicycles for fun, health, traveling and exercise.

Ferguson suggests three must-have items for those who enjoy cycling.

First, get a helmet, second, some bike shorts, and third, a tool kit.

She also believes it is helpful to have your bicycle fitted

"Trying to ride a bike that is not properly set for you is like wearing someone else's shoes," Ferguson said.

At Outdoors Unlimited located in the Wilkinson Center, the cost of a helmet ranges from $30 to $50. Depending on what type of bike shorts you buy, expect to spend $35 to $50 a pair. A tool kit is cheaper and will cost $8 to $15.

Target and Wal-Mart also sell helmets for around $10.

For those who ride long distances, biking shorts are a must. Especially helpful are those that have pads for your rear.

The shorts make a ride more comfortable, said long-time cyclist Eric Wahlquist. He advocates wearing bike shorts.

"You're sweating and [your] legs are rubbing up against each other," Wahlquist said. He said shorts make the ride more comfortable.

A tool kit can become critical for cyclists. The kit will enable the cyclist to fix a flat tire or fill it with air.

Ferguson also adds a final suggestion - stretch before riding. A common problem among cyclists is poor flexibility.

"The rounded shoulder position that you use on the bike can lead to overstretched upper-back muscles and a tight chest."