6 CLOTHING ITEMS MOTORCYCLISTS SHOULD NEVER WEAR
Every motorcyclist is already well-versed with the term ATGATT by now. The acronym stands for “all the gears, all the time.”
Unfortunately, many motorcyclists are still riding around in no other protective gear than a helmet. And an iffy one, at that. Besides that, whatever they wear when they ride are unsafe and may even cause more harm, instead.
- Flip-flops/Slippers/Crocs/Sandals/Stilettos
If your toes hurt like crazy when you accidently kicked the side of a cupboard, what defence does it have against a stone kicked up by another vehicle in front? Or if they touched the road? Even a modest 30 km/h can cause ghastly injuries to your digits.
- Sneakers/Gym shoes/Tennis shoes/Running shoes
They are comfortable and enclose the entire foot to provide a small measure of protection. But they do not protect the bones that joins the feet to the leg bone. Besides that, they are too soft for motorcycle applications as they cannot stand up to impacts and abrasion.
- Shorts/Skirts
Everyone’s favourite pants, the jeans are already inadequate against impacts and abrasion, so what can bare skin protect against? The legs hanging below the fuel tank are exposed to the exhaust and debris. Hitting the road at speed is even worse.
- T-shirt/Singlet/Tank top/Tube tops
Everyone wears these as they are comfortable and cooling but please wear a jacket over them.
- All-black
All-black riding gear may look the bomb but turns us invisible to other road users who are already struggling to spot us. Wear brighter clothing and gear to stand out.
- Novelty helmets
Helmets are produced in the shape they are after much research and development. Changing their shapes into novelty items such as the Predator, Hello Kitty and so forth will compromise your safety. Furthermore, helmets sold as novelties usually include stickers that say that they are not for road use.
