Gear Up To Ride this Motorcycle Awareness month

Last modified on 19 October 2021

Did you know that when motorcyclists are involved in a crash on our roads, more than half result in serious injuries? To prevent major injuries, Gear Up To Ride is a new motorcycle safety campaign that’s part of NSW’s Motorcycle Awareness Month held each year.

Gear Up To Ride, held in conjunction with Hornsby Council and Northern Beaches Council has been created to raise awareness amongst motorcycle riders on the importance of wearing the right gear.

Following are some concerning statistics of motorcycle accidents from 2015-2020:
• 75 percent were residents from the Northern Beaches and the Upper North Shore
• 59 percent were aged 20-34-years
• 31 percent occurred in the darkness
• 25 percent happened during wet road conditions or in the rain

With the high number of motorcycle accidents, Gear Up To Ride focuses on encouraging motorcycle riders to wear the safest gear they can and ‘dress for the slide.’ Choosing the right gear can help prevent or reduce the severity of injuries such as abrasions, friction burns, cuts and lacerations.

Buying the best motorcycle gear can be confusing and time consuming. Therefore, it is essential for motorcyclists to visit www.motocap.com.au to find scientifically based information on the protection and comfort of a range of motorcycle protective jackets, pants and gloves available in Australia and New Zealand. MotoCAP tests gear using rigorous and scientific methods and provide safety and comfort ratings when choosing to buy motorcycle gear.

Willoughby City Council Mayor Gail Giles-Gidney said, “‘Choosing the right motorcycle gear is worth pursuing as it will give you and your loved ones peace of mind when you head off on your bike.”

Willoughby City Council’s Applications Support Officer Luke Tangye is a regular motorcycle rider. In non-COVID lockdown times he commutes on his bike to work at Council’s Chatswood office.

Mr Tangye said, “I always wear a full-face helmet, quality jacket, kevlar-lined pants, motorcycle gloves and covered boots. Even if it’s a really hot day, it’s important to still wear all of the safety gear.

“It beats having a major skin graft or losing your toes or fingers. You need to dress for the worst case scenario.”

Motorcyclists can find more information or do their own bike gear research via www.ridetolive.nsw.gov.au or www.motocap.com.au.