I know what you're thinking, what's the big deal about gear? The facts of safety gear is not just to protect you, but to make you more COMFORTABLE when you ride. If you're too hot or cold when riding, then you're thinking of the heat or cold instead of your driving. We all know that operating a motorcycle is challenging under the best conditions, however if you are distracted by being too cold, wet, or tired your reaction time suffers and your reflexes are affected. Remember the average time for reacting to a vehicle turning in front of you is 1.9 SECONDS. You have to be alert and ready to react quickly. Safety gear will help you do just that. Let's start with helmets and work our way down.

Helmets

• Helmet should fit snugly. Not so tight that it leaves deep red marks on your forehead.
• Helmet should be ventilated to prevent fogging and heat build-up.
• Offers unrestricted view, especially peripheral vision.
• DOT or Snell approved.
• Lighter or bright color offers better visibility.

• Never place your helmet on mirrors or handlebars, it breaks down the inner padding. The interior padding is designed to break apart on impact and if it's weakened from improper storage then the effective cushion of the liner is reduced.
• Never reuse a helmet after a crash, replace it.
• Avoid scratches on face shield. This defuses the light, especially at night. Replace shield.

• Always pack eyewear for day AND night riding, even if you don't ride at night.
• Keep lens of glasses, face shield, etc. clean and scratch free. Vision is your first line of defense to avoiding accidents. If in doubt, replace eyewear with clear, unblemished lens or shields.

• Gloves provide a better grip. Use material that is breathable.
• Full fingered gloves provide the most protection.
• Fit should be snug. Avoid gloves that are too large.

• Over the ankle, leather boots provide best protection.
• Rubber or non skid soles provide better grip on sandy or slippery intersections.
• Avoid heels that are too high. A flatter sole gives you more stability.
• Tuck all laces inside shoe or avoid all together.

• Leather provides best protection, fit should be exact.
• Sleeves should cover wrists while in the riding position.
• Vented jackets provide better comfort and offer more options for riding environment.

• Always carry on bike.
• Rain gear should be snug at wrists and waist, avoid over sized garments.
• Brightly colored or reflective markings offer better visibility in the rain.

The Motorcycle Safety Foundation recommends taking a Rider Education Course to find out more about safety gear and how it can improve your riding and protection in the event of an accident.

Remember, the more you know, the better it gets!

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