Position Statement - Protective Clothing
Research has shown that in a crash protective clothing is able to reduce the severity of injuries. However, there is no guarantee that what is sold as motorcycle protective clothing is “fit for purpose”.
Priority:- High
Where we are now:-
The Motorcycle Council of NSW has been able to obtain funding from the Motor Accidents Authority (MAA) to review research that has been conducted into the effectiveness of protective clothing. The findings of this review are the basis of the information which is on our website.
This review found that there is no guarantee that what is sold as motorcycle protective clothing will actually perform as expected in the event of a crash. The only standards currently available are those that have been developed in Europe. These are called CE standards and currently retailers promote the benefits of armour that conforms to the CE standard.
A protective clothing seminar was held in May 2005 which was attended by representatives of manufacturers, importers and retailers as well as other interested parties and the recommendations of this seminar were:-
- to adopt the European CE Standards
- that these standards should be voluntary
Where we want to be:-
When riders purchase protective clothing they can be certain that they will be adequately protected in the event of a crash.
How to get there:-
Maintain representation of the steering committee that was formed to implement the recommendations of the protective clothing seminar.
Work with the Australian Motorcycle Council (AMC) and rider groups in other states to raise awareness of CE standards for protective clothing.
