New York Chapter "W"

Gold Wing Road Riders Association

Rochester, NY

Rider Education Information by Gary Mandak

Riding Educator, New York Chapter "W"

Reflect On Your Riding Gear

When you go through your favorite catalogs and magazines this winter looking for riding gear, things to consider should include visibility. Some of the latest textile gear scream visibility. Even leather has colors other than traditional black to help you being seen.

When riding your bike, consider what a driver sees when following you on your bike. With the trunk covering most of your back and the saddlebags covering most of your legs, very little of your riding gear is visible. The area seen from the back is your head, shoulder area, and arms. From the side, your legs, arms and head are visible. Knowing this, those areas should be of screaming bright colors or reflective material.

Jackets in the shoulder area and arms should be lighter in color for contrast. Many include bright reflective material that is useful for nighttime conditions.

Pants are usually black, but some have lighter reflective material in the side leg area.

Boots and gloves have bright colors to aid being seen from the side.

Reflective tape on your helmet, sides and back of the saddlebags and trunk help to be seen at night and are very reasonable in cost. They come in various colors, including reflective black.

When you shop for your apparel, be aware of the areas of your riding gear that can be seen by drivers, especially at night. Remember, most drivers can only see portions of your gear, as the motorcycle covers it. Have some someone sit on your bike and walk around to see areas that are visible and wear gear that will address those areas.

Remember it is better to wear retina-burning color to stand out, than a boring color and be lying down.

Practice safe riding

Gary Mandak

Chapter "W" Educator