“A motorcycle? No daughter of mine is going to ride a motorcycle. Before you know it, you’ll be dressed in denim and leather and hanging out with those Hell’s Angel types. You get yourself a car like everyone else.”
Your dad did not take your announcement well, but you won in the end. You are now the proud owner of your first motorcycle. It is a cute 125cc, perfect for commuting to your summer job without clogging up the roads as all those cars do. Not only does it save you money on gas, but it’s much quicker, too. Not to mention the feel of the breeze in your face.
More young women are discovering the benefits of two wheels as a means of transport, instead of four. The benefits for the environment and for your wallet make it an attractive option.
Nevertheless, riding a small motorcycle comes with a risk. Other vehicles can struggle to notice you, and as you cannot dominate your lane as a big bike can, car drivers are more likely to cut into your lane. You also have less horsepower, to escape when you see a potentially dangerous situation.
Dressing appropriately can help keep you safe on your motorcycle. Clothing has come a long way in the last few years, and many options are fashionable and protect you. Here are some of the things you should wear:
- A helmet: Make sure it fits appropriately and always do the strap up.
- Gloves: These protect your hands if you fall, but also protect them from sunburn and low-hanging branches.
- Motorcycle trousers: While they can seem a hassle in summer, if you fall off in a skirt, dress or shorts, you may be scarred for life. There are well-designed motorcycle jeans available, which look like regular jeans but have built-in protection.
- Motorcycle jacket: There are mesh ones available for hot weather. The body armor helps you slide, reducing skin rash and bone damage.
Dressing well on your motorcycle cannot remove the risk of a motorcycle accident caused by a negligent Seattle driver, but it can reduce your injuries … which is precisely why those Hells Angels wear leather and denim.