Just read it, no need to say anything.

**Kiwi Graham:Me** · 9th January 2009, 08:42

This is a shocking story that was posted on another bike forum. Very poignant for this time of year. A big promotor for ATGATT.

**Hitcher** · 9th January 2009, 09:01

Appropriate gear, all the time.

**Tank** · 9th January 2009, 09:58

Indeed - I dont 'ram it down peoples' throats - but I do try to educate people who dont if they seem open to listening.

Sad to see on the m/way the other day 4 people on 150ishcc scoots all only with helmets - no gloves, jacket - anything. One was barefoot, others in jandals / sandals.

Makes me cringe for their safety.

**nico** · 9th January 2009, 10:03

good read i know of 2 ppl who should read this frekn numb nuts road and skin do not mix one bit all the gear even if it's uncomfrubly hot

**Hitcher** · 9th January 2009, 10:09

Originally Posted by Tank

Sad to see on the m/way the other day 4 people on 150ishcc scoots all only with helmets - no gloves, jacket - anything. One was barefoot, others in jandals / sandals.

But treadly riders don't wear much more protection than that either. People make decisions about what to wear based on their perception of the risks involved.

**Jase H** · 9th January 2009, 10:22

What I found the most interesting here was not just the looks, nor even the pain, but the fact that being in hospital all that time and having what's supposed to be making you better, can eventually have a prolonged effect on you.

A definite case of prevention is better than cure. However this reminds me...

Is it just me or has other folk noticed this: while bikers generally wear at least a reasonable jacket, jeans if not protective trousers, reasonable boots and gloves, scooter riders generally are wearing just helmets along with their normal clothes (office gear, t-shirt & shorts, etc). I'm no expert here but I would've thought that coming off your two wheels at, say, 70 km/h (let's not even talk considerable speeds here) would do you the same amount of damage regardless of whether those two wheels are a m/bike or scooter.

Yes, I was sweltering while waiting at the traffic lights yesterday. However, that was easily cured with a glass of water. These injuries require a bit more than that...

**laserracer** · 9th January 2009, 10:28

WOW sure makes you think

**slofox** · 9th January 2009, 10:35

Originally Posted by Tank

Indeed - I dont 'ram it down peoples' throats - but I do try to educate people who dont if they seem open to listening.

Sad to see on the m/way the other day 4 people on 150ishcc scoots all only with helmets - no gloves, jacket - anything. One was barefoot, others in jandals / sandals.

Makes me cringe for their safety.

In Whitianga on Monday/Tuesday, I saw herds (literally) of scooters from the Scooter Hire place fanging around the town and environs. Not one rider had on more than shorts, a shirt and a helmet - and the odd pair of jandals. Saw many cross the centre line in the face of oncoming traffic, all over the road, as fast as the scooter would go (not very, fortunately...). The GF wanted to have a go. I said flat out "NO!" - unless she got some gear. She hassles me about being safe all the time. First time I could reverse the roles...still think it is crazy, hot though a cow suit might be...

**speights_bud** · 9th January 2009, 10:39

Originally Posted by Jase H

I'm no expert here but I would've thought that coming off your two wheels at, say, 70 km/h (let's not even talk considerable speeds here) would do you the same amount of damage regardless of whether those two wheels are a m/bike or scooter.

Yes, I was sweltering while waiting at the traffic lights yesterday. However, that was easily cured with a glass of water. These injuries require a bit more than that...

I know exactly what you mean, iride my scoot to work, (24km each way) on the open road each day varying between 90-100km/h and i still throw on my two piece, but the guys at work don't figure that coming off a scooter hurts as much as a big bike, regardless of speed.

Apart from that it's fooken cold in winter, and the 2 piece keeps me warm, still ride when the temp's in the negatives

**MAC_HATER** · 9th January 2009, 10:59

its really down to lazyness - when my dad used to go to bike rally's ( he will bet getting back into it soon) - it would take him ages to get ready - putting on all the right clothing and topping everything off in a thick leather jacket and gloves\boots - all of it completley necassary - he hasnt had a crash but at elast if he did the kit he was wearing would have saved a LOT of grief

i see friends of mine out on bikes tearing up the road in a t shirt and shorts and when i ask them why they arent in the right gear: "aww i cant be funked its too much hassle" that attitude could kill them

i will admit that since i dont own a road bike i dont have any fancy gear but when i do go trail riding im pretty covered up - not in leather but in thick clothing regardless as grass is generally softer than tarmac

its good not to ram the idea down peoples throats but some people really do need a kick in the arse for being plain lazy

**Anarkist** · 9th January 2009, 19:42

*cringe*

Even the thought of shedding skin on pavement gives me the heebie jeebies but I couldn't read that.

AllTheGearAllTheTime is the only way to ride.

**jrandom** · 9th January 2009, 20:10

Originally Posted by Hitcher

But treadly riders don't wear much more protection than that either.

200km/week on the pushy has certainly recalibrated me in the ATGATT respect.

Treadlies do give the rider much less scope for monumental cockups, mind you.

And, that said, I've just bought a new one-piece.

I'm not really sure what any of the above says, other than that riding pushbikes is extremely good for your health, and one-pieces are dead sexy.