What is a distinctive feature of cycling helmets compared to other sports helmets?

Cycling helmets are specifically designed to protect the head during one single impact due to the nature of cycling accidents, which typically involve a high risk of falling and striking the head against a hard surface. This design philosophy prioritizes energy absorption during that initial impact to effectively reduce the risk of serious injury.

Unlike some multi-impact helmets used in sports like hockey or football, which can sustain several impacts without losing effectiveness, cycling helmets are built to absorb the energy from a single crash. In terms of safety standards, the materials and construction of cycling helmets often focus on preventing head injury from that first, critical impact rather than repeated use.

Additionally, while some cycling helmets may have additional features like built-in visors or designs that provide some level of ear protection, those aspects are secondary to the primary goal of single-impact protection.