Spring has sprung and its arrival means our roads are full of motorcyclists, keen to enjoy the warmer, drier weather now it’s here. But while riding a bike gives you a sense of freedom that your car-driving compatriots can only dream about, it comes at a cost. Bikers are much more vulnerable; even a minor low-speed incident which a car driver would shrug off, can leave a biker seriously hurt. That’s why wearing suitable protective clothing every time you get on your bike is so important.
Choosing what to wear when riding isn’t just about protection from injury – it’s also about comfort. The correct gear ensures you’re comfortable, warm and dry, helping you to fully enjoy your ride without distractions. Many items of protective wear also have reflective panels or strips, ensuring you stay highly visible at all times. Remember, don’t just go for the way the clothing or gear looks; it needs to perform too.

Helmet
A helmet is your most important piece of safety kit, so spend a decent proportion of your budget on a good one. Helmets sold in the UK must satisfy either British Standard 6658: 1985 or ECE Regulation 22.05 standards. Look for a label inside the helmet or on the shell to confirm this. Ensure it fits correctly and won’t move around or come off when the chinstrap is affixed is essential to offer the maximum protection in a crash.
For extra piece of mind visit the www.direct.gov.uk and check out the Safety Helmet Assessment and Rating Programme (SHARP), an independent body that tests helmets and rates them according to how well they perform. Any five-star helmet is a good choice and once you’ve bought one:

• Clean it regularly, following the manufacturer’s instructions
• Store it safely in a helmet bag where it won’t be dropped or knocked.
• Don’t personalise it with stickers, as the adhesives can weaken the shell.

Gloves
Your hands are one of the first things to touch the ground if you come off your bike, so they must be protected. Fingers and wrists are fragile, so they’re easily badly damaged. A pair of leather-palmed gloves will help take the sting out of a fall. Lighter gloves are available for summer riding with thermally insulated options for winter; all-seasons options are available that can be worn all year round.
Boots
A pair of sturdy over-the-ankle boots will provide support and protection for your ankles, so don’t ride without them. In a crash feet tend to get crushed sideways, so strong soles are key. A stitched sole is best, ideally bonded as well. Anything less and it may fall apart under impact or abrasion. The sole should contain ridges to provide good grip, and be at least 4mm thick. The thicker the sole, the more the boot will absorb the vibration of the bike. Boots come in varying levels of warmth and protection and range from a subtle black work boot to multi-coloured race replicas. Whatever you go for, try them on to ensure they’re comfortable and allow you to easily operate the bike’s controls.
Jacket
Biking in everyday clothes puts you at real risk of serious injury. Finding clothing to shield you from impact and abrasion – the most common causes of injury – is extremely important, as is staying warm and dry in rubbish weather. Traditionally, leather has been the choice of most riders, but advances in textiles means that you now have options such as Cordura and Gore-Tex, which are abrasion-resistant and waterproof. Make sure any jacket you buy has CE-approved armour in the risk areas, like your elbows, shoulders and back. Finally, make sure it’s comfortable when you’re seated on a bike.
Trousers
Shorts and tracksuit bottoms are real no-nos when it comes to riding safely, as they offer zero protection should you come off in an accident. Jeans are slightly better, but can still wear through in under a second should the worst happen. A better option is to opt for a pair of jeans that are reinforced with Kevlar. Draggin jeans come in a variety of styles and colours and feature Kevlar and Dyneema reinforcement. The ultimate in protection, however, is a pair of dedicated leather or textile trousers featuring double or triple stitching, plus CE-approved armour in the knees. As with jackets, leather provides the most abrasion resistance, while textiles such as Cordura are waterproof and warmer, meaning they can be used all year round.
Back Protector
After your head, your back is the most important area to protect, yet few jackets come with an integral back protector. These absorb energy in an impact, helping prevent damage to the spine and ribs, kidneys, liver and spleen. Any back protector must be the correct size; too small and it won’t protect the vulnerable lumbar region of the lower back and if too big, it won’t fit comfortably under your riding gear. Label sizes refer to torso length which can be confusing. If you’re not completely confident in taking your own measurements, visit a reputable dealer and ask them to measure and fit a back protector for you.
Earplugs
The noise created as the wind passes over your helmet at high speed can permanently damage your hearing. Having a helmet with minimal air ducts and scoops can help reduce wind noise, but your best bet is to wear ear plugs for any prolonged journey. These range from simple, disposable universal-fit foam bungs to bespoke polyurethane items that, if looked after and kept clean, will last you years and offer the most protection.

Back pack
The one big difference between driving a car and riding a bike is storage. Bikes and scooters have limited storage meaning a backpack is an essential item for everyday use. Whether to hold a change of clothes or simply your lunch and wallet, many bikers would be lost without them. Make sure you buy one that’s comfortable and big enough to hold all your gear. You can also get brightly coloured ones that help you be seen and stay safe.
Richard Dredge
May 2017