a pad for a steering wheel includes a membrane switch forming member and a cover member . the switch forming member includes a switch body and a support plate . the switch body has a plurality of conductive thin metal sheets and an insulating space interposed between the metal sheets . the support plate is made of rigid synthetic resin for supporting the switch body on its upper face and is formed in its outer peripheral edge with a plurality of mounting holes extending vertically . the cover member covers the air bag of an air bag device and is formed with a rapture portion adapted to be ruptured when the air bag is inflated , and mounting ribs projecting from the back face thereof and engaged with the mounting holes of the support plate . at least one of the outer peripheral edge of the support plate and the back face of the cover member is formed with gap regulating projections for setting a predetermined gap between the upper face of the support plate back face of the cover member .