Last Update: 31 August 2024
He passed me when I was in my car. We were on the city ring highway. He was on his cruiser wearing a beanie helmet, t-shirt, light cargo pants and sandals. He was going about 110 k/ph. His face had a happy freedom expression on it, or perhaps he was stoned because you’d have to be delirious to get on a high-powered motorcycle in rush hour urban traffic dressed like this!
The Term Motorcyclist Implies Professionalism
I’ve named this past riding season as the Rider Summer of t-shirts and shorts. Sadly, this was the common choice of motorcycle gear among this city’s motorcyclists all season long. Actually, I’m going to refer to them as “riders” as these types are not deserving of the title –motorcyclist.
Opting not to wear motorcycle gear, a jacket, pants, gloves, boots proper helmet, the whole package is not the act of a pro. And it certainly isn’t the attire of anyone serious about long term riding for that fact.
Gear Isn’t “Just In Case” Of Mishap – It’s Also For Your Comfort Resulting in Ultimate Control
This summer has been one of the hottest on record, making motorcycle riding almost unbearable. With scorching hot roads and a blazing motorcycle, the conditions have been nearly intolerable. But the weather has never stopped accidents from happening.
Motorcyclists always need to be ready. This summer Toronto alone had its highest incidents of motorcycle crashes I can ever remember. Did the heat have something to do with it? When you consider that on average, motorcyclists make up one per cent of traffic but 16 per cent of road fatalities – something’s not working.
In earlier years, motorcycling seemed to be taken more seriously. In Europe, wearing proper gear is a given. While cities like Milan, Italy, may have slight variations due to respectful traffic for scooters and motorcyclists, most European cities prioritize the safety of motorcyclists. In contrast, North America often falls short in this regard. The training curriculum remains consistent, but gear has evolved with advancements in safety, now featuring lighter materials, improved armor, and Kevlar.
When you’re not comfortable, you’re distracted. Distraction means focus is absent from the road and this equates to error and poor skill execution.
Here’s a question: if you’re on a long ride, say six hours, and your boots start causing you pain within the first hour, will you be able to fully enjoy the ride and concentrate on the road? Riding a motorcycle is incredibly fun, but it’s also a serious business that demands your full focus and skill every single minute. It’s a sport for expert minds and coordinated bodies, suited for thrill-seekers who respect its risks. When the unexpected happens, being prepared is crucial. A t-shirt and shorts will never provide the protection you need.
In our network, we believe that a motorcyclist in full gear actually enjoys the most freedom to ride. This approach reflects a serious commitment to the sport, showcasing incredible riding ability and skill. A properly fitted rider signifies professionalism and dedication to safe and proficient motorcycling.
Ultimately, the choice is up to the rider. It’s akin to making decisions like whether to smoke during pregnancy, drink and drive, practice safe sex, or wear a seat belt. So, is choosing to wear protective motorcycle gear really such a difficult decision to make?
2 comments
I agree. Great article too. I wouldn’t even call those who ride without the proper gear ‘Riders’ as that’s a term I like to refer to as myself. I’d say idiots, as their actions have revealed their character, which is mentally challenged. I prefer the term ‘Rider’ as it distinguished one from those who operate four wheel vehicles – Drivers. Driving is passive, as one can see by how drivers do everything from listening to music, putting on make-up, texting, talking on cell phones to drinking.
Riding is active as in engaging ones senses to be aware of what’s around you, what coming your way, what’s behind and to the sides of you.
2 wheelers who fail to ride with the proper equipment don’t deserve the license they’ve earned. Or other rider’s respect.
Bravo on your post!
PROFESSIONALISM.
It was one of our warmer summers out on the West Coast and I was in gear head to toe whenever I ventured out on my bike. I have never understood the choice of not wearing gear and probably never will. I find that people convert very quickly to ATGATT if they have experienced an intimate encounter with the road surface, if they survive they are usually out buying gear once they have rolled across the pavement. My questions to those who don’t wear are, 1) Why does it take a roll across the pavement and its painful aftermath to make wearing gear a good idea? 2)Don’t you believe what people are telling you about gear and why it is important and that it literally saves your hide? 3)Why would you want to go through the pain and grief?”
You may still get hurt after a tumble, but in the end the injuries are usually less severe. You DO NOT have to be going fast to exerpience road rash or more severe injuries.
Do yourself a favour go buy gear, take our word for it, and if you need further convincing go visit Rock The Gear.org.