What We Wear

[mdm44]

I have read several posts recently (not on this forum) poking fun at motor scooter riders who are riding wearing full protective gear. The tone suggests that they should not be dressed as if they were riding a REAL bike. My thought is that these riders can't win. If they wear little, they are demeaned; if they dress defensively, they are made fun of.

My point is that the asphalt doesn't know whether you were riding a scooter or a motorcycle when you hit it at speed. It all hurts the same. Maybe we, as riders, should encourage these (often new) riders to wear the correct gear, rather than suggesting otherwise.

Possibly my viewpoint is skewed because I spent a couple of years riding a scooter (a Honda Silverwing). I admit I felt funny at times dressing in my regular gear to ride that scooter, but at the speeds it could do, I knew I needed it; I knew that some day I would regret it if I didn't.

There may not be a good answer to this problem (not more legislation, under any circumstances), but with all the inexperienced riders now getting on scooters, i think we should find a way to start them right by encouraging them to wear whatever gear they can afford. Some day, it may save their lives, if not a lot of skin.

My thoughts, Mike