In a bid to reach young motorcycle riders, road safety officers have launched a new SnapChat campaign.
 
‘All the Gear, All The Time’ is the latest initiative from South Yorkshire Safer Roads Partnership (SYSRP) and is aimed at 16-24-year-old riders. It focusses on the need to wear appropriate protective clothing to reduce the severity of injury should a collision occur.
 
Joanne Wehrle, manager of SYSRP said: “Young riders are one of our priority road-user groups and with the improving weather, more and more will be turning to two wheels as their method of transport.
 
“It’s absolutely vital that young men and women understand the difference that kit such as lined trousers, appropriate gloves and padded jackets can make on the road.
 
“Without the protection of a metal vehicle structure around them, motorcyclists are particularly vulnerable should they come off their bike.”
 
Modern riding gear, with in-built armour or specialist lining, can be as lightweight and comfortable as a pair of jeans and a hoodie.
 
The SnapChat artwork showcases the impact of a collision on a rider wearing both appropriate and inappropriate clothing.
 
“Unfortunately, we still see many incidents, often life changing, which could have been prevented if the rider had been wearing protective clothing,” added Joanne.

“The days of having to wear big, thick and heavy leathers are gone. With the development of modern protective materials, like Kevlar lining, and armour which stays soft and supple until it hits something with force, you can wear your riding gear all day and still be comfortable.”
 
The partnership also wants to push home the message that this kit should be worn regardless of the type of journey.
 
Joanne added: “Often we hear the line ‘I was just nipping down the shops’ or ‘I wasn’t planning on riding fast’, which is why we always say ATGATT for short.

“That driver who doesn’t see you at a junction, may still pull-out whether you are five or 50 miles from your home.  The spilt diesel doesn’t mind if you’re doing 25mph or 40mph.

“Kevlar-lined clothing can be the difference between a shattered knee or scuffed jeans.”

The advert will run from Monday 21 March for a week. It will also be used for the upcoming national Two Wheels campaign.