A campaign informing riders and raising their awareness regarding the benefits of a good motorcycling equipment.
Motorcycling apparel can help motorcycle, scooter and moped riders reducing the effects of accidents. Nonetheless the benefits of good quality motorcycling clothing are still widely underestimated.
With the aim of encouraging a wider take-up of protective gear ACEM, the Motorcycle Industry in Europe, has released a booklet in seven languages with indications on which equipment to choose. This brochure has been developed within the eSUM Project ensuing from the cooperation between ACEM and four European motorcycling capitals (London, Paris, Barcelona and Rome). The goal is the identification, practical demonstration and adoption of measures for the safer use of powered two-wheelers in the inner-city traffic.
While much is being done on aspects such as vehicle safety features, training and awareness raising, improvements in road safety can be achieved also by promoting protective motorcycling wear adapted to the type and the use of vehicle.
Most riders use helmets. However moped riders and commuters tend to neglect the benefits of protective equipment in terms of safety and comfort. In Mediterranean countries, for example, due to their warm climates, users are still widely unaware that good apparel can combine comfort and safety.
The goal of this booklet is to provide some simple guidelines supported by scientific evidence to help increasing the number of motorcyclists equipped with appropriate protective clothing. According to evidence gathered by MAIDS*, if involved in an accident, riders wearing appropriate protective gear are likely to reduce injuries. A «Protection Factor» for every piece of garment indicates the percentage of MAIDS accidents, in which the protective gear has mitigated or even better prevented injuries. Knowledge about the benefits of wearing the correct apparel will help users in making the right choice and contribute to their safety.
Leaflet (English): http://www.acem.eu/PPE/html/EN_eSUM_ppe.pdf
More: http://www.acem.eu/cms/ppe.php
I was a boring fart last year and clothed myself head to toe in EN PPE stuff - helmets are anyway, but the Scott Leathers textile kit, Alpinestars Boots and Halvarssons safety were specific purchases.
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately the gloves are a little tight for comfort so I'm looking for others.
Yet another 'report' using dogmatic claims and circumstantial evidence in an attempt to promote a ideological stance.
ReplyDeleteBy page 3 we are told that of the 3 things that 'protective' clothing should do is 'help to make them visible to other road users'. Then on page 10 (under a picture of a rider in a dark jacket) this is reinforced with 'Bright colours for best visibility to other road users'- yet this belief is NOT EVIDENCED in ANY of the data they use to support their arguments. Pathetic.
Using the data they have taken from the MAIDS study suggest what I already understood - lower limb injury is what needs to be addressed and there is not so much benefit to be had from the most commonly noticeable clothing 'upgrade' - the jacket. Just @20% 'benefit'! The difference in gloves is hardly anything! While footwear (arguably far cheaper!) can make a nearly 50% difference to motorcycle riders involved in crashes and heavy trousers make a bigger difference than jackets.