Motorcycle protective clothing: physiological and perceptual barriers to their summer use

Abstract

Despite strong evidence of protective benefits, thermal discomfort is a key disincentiveto motorcyclists wearing protective clothing in hot conditions. This paper presentssome findings from our studies concerning the thermal management properties ofmotorcycle protective clothing and their physiological impact in hot conditions.The thermal and vapour permeability and abrasion resistance properties of motorcycleprotective clothing were investigated in laboratory tests. The physiological andcognitive impact on humans was investigated using objective and subjective measuresunder controlled climate conditions and in a real-world riding trial. The aims were todetermine: (i) if associations existed between thermal management and the abrasionresistanceproperties of a range of commonly available, all-season motorcycleprotective suits, (ii) the extent of the thermal load imposed by motorcycle clothing wornin average Australian summer conditions, and (iii) the impact of that thermal burden onpsychophysical function.The results demonstrated significant physiological strain for motorcyclists wearingprotective clothing in hot conditions. Wide variations in the thermal characteristics andabrasion resistance properties of the suits tested were identified. Ongoing work isinvestigating the impact that elevated thermal discomfort and physiological thermalstrain can have on riding performance and the potential for clothing features, such asventilation ports to reduce thermal discomfort. These results will determine thresholdsfor the thermal qualities of motorcycle clothing required for an acceptable compromisebetween user comfort and injury protection. The outcome will inform industry andconsumer information programs about the performance required of motorcycleprotective clothing suitable for use in hot conditions