Discovered this via a link in the latest Corazzo newsletter:
http://blogs.consumerreports.org/cars/2 ... ashes.html
The meat of it:
Now, we have a policy here at MB not to get preachy about gear or discuss helmet laws. This is because these discussions usually either turn into flame wars or alienate people. We try to do our best to provide solid information rather than criticize others' judgment and decisions.Only a little more than half of our respondents said they had taken a formal riding instruction course, and nearly 1 in 4 said they don't always wear a helmet when they ride.
And use of safety gear drops off from there.…
- Only half of our respondents reported regularly wearing protective boots, and less than half said they regularly wear gloves.
- About 25 percent said they always wear a leather or other protective jacket when riding.
- Fewer than 10 percent always wear protective pants or clothing in high-visibility colors.
- Three out of five riders admitted to riding in a short-sleeved shirt, and about a quarter said they rode in shorts.
- More than one third of all accidents resulted in a painful road rash and almost 25 percent involved broken bones.
In the meantime, we encourage all riders to wear proper protective gear from boots to helmet to reduce the severity of injuries in the case of an accident--of which our survey respondents reveal there is a high likelihood of happening. Further, we would encourage all new and entry-level riders to take a motorcycle training course by a professional organization, such as those offered by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation.
Still, I'm rather surprised by these numbers (though I can't say how accurately they reflect the riding population).
I know there are many regional and cultural differences differences in what people wear. At last year's Amerivespa in Los Gatos, CA, I was impressed by how many people were wearing full/modular helmets and riding jackets. At this year's in San Antonio, full helmets were rare and very few people (myself included) wore jackets due to the heat and humidity. (Also, this year's rides were mostly slower, in-city rides.) Even in LA, you're far less likely to see riders in Eastside hipster 'hoods like Silverlake wearing gear.
I encourage anyone who hasn't yet to read our How Much Protective Gear Do I Need? Why? and our Helmet Basics & Buying guides. No shame. No preaching.
If you have any suggestions on how we can improve those guides or have links to additional info, please share them.
And if you haven't yet taken an MSF course, please consider doing so. I had around 10,000 miles riding experience when I took it and it was still beneficial. I wish I'd taken it much earlier.