Taking to the open roads on a motorbike is an image which creates thoughts of freedom and independence. Bikes have always though had the added element of danger and injury and over the years vast changes have taken place to try to stem as much of the risk as possible which comes with riding on two wheels. As well as the bikes themselves become safer, the accompanying protective clothing has also changed hugely.
Wearing a helmet on a motorbike has long been the law in the UK, but this has not always been the case. Interest in the safety aspect of a helmet started after T.E Lawrence – also known as Lawrence of Arabia – was killed in an accident on his bike in 1935 and wasn’t wearing any kind of head protection. His neurosurgeon, Hugh Cairns, started to do some research into the benefits of a helmet and this evolved into the first patent for a motorcycle helmet in 1953 by Professor CF Lombard.
The first cycle helmets were manufactured from leather and whilst they helped with road rash and minor injuries, they gave little or no protection to the skull and brain. The ones which followed quickly changed in design and in the 1960s fibreglass was a popular material to use with a foam or cork lining. These days, helmets are made from carbon fibre, plastic or Kevlar. The designs and production techniques aim to ensure that they are impact resistant as well as there being a greatly reduced chance of puncture.
Early designs had an open face as they were made to protect the skull and it wasn’t until many years later that protection for the whole face and visors with a flip up design were developed. Motorcross racers now use helmets which completely cover all of the face.
Wearing protective clothing is now seen as one of the main aspects of staying safe on a motorbike alongside the correct training and being road aware. The first clothing worn came about from the uniforms work by soldiers on bikes in World War 1. Coats shortened in length and breeches were pegged so nothing caught in the wheels.
The leather jacket is probably one of the most recognisable symbols of a motorbike rider. Marlon Brandon started the use of them when he appeared wearing one in the film The Wild One. A basic leather jacket will go some way to helping stop abrasions but the most modern jackets are made of very thick leather, Kevlar and some items have armoured impact points covered in carbon fibre. Jacket airbag technology is gaining in popularity and Ducati are set to launch a new design of airbag in May 2014 which is linked to the wi-fi electronics of the bike.
Safety laws have been introduced over the years with the first one being passed in 1973 in the UK that a helmet must be worn at all times when on the road. It’s only been as recent as 2001 that all learner riders must pass the Compulsory Basic Training (CBT) certificate and this enables all riders to learn about road safety, vehicle awareness and how to handle a bike with confidence.
For anyone who is unfortunate enough to suffer injury these days whilst on their motorbike, a road accident solicitor is always on hand to help. Their job is to look to see if a claim for compensation can be made and to guide the victim through the process in a helpful and friendly way.
Whilst to experienced riders staying safe by protecting the body and knowing how to drive a bike may seem basic and sensible, it’s not always been this rigorous. Only time has produced clothing, equipment and now electronic technology which all helps to reduce the risk of injury as much as possible and to enable safe and exciting biking.
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