World first ratings system for motorcycle clothing launched

Minister for Roads, Maritime and Freight Melinda Pavey today announced the launch of a world first rating system for motorcycle clothing – MotoCAP.

"The Motorcycle Clothing Assessment Program (MotoCAP) is the first of its kind, and aims to give the motorcycle community more information when making choices about the clothing they wear while riding," Mrs Pavey said.

  • MotoCAP will give clothing two separate star ratings – one for protection and one for comfort
  • Improving the effectiveness of protective clothing will help reduce the risk of serious injury or even death
  • Ten leather jackets and ten pairs of denim pants have been tested
  • The Calibre jacket by Rjays scored highest with five stars; while, the Triumph Hero Riding pants scored four stars
  • Denim pants by Neojeans, Harley Davidson, Rjays and Rev’It were given four stars for comfort.

The protection star rating considers performance in abrasion resistance, seam strength and impact protection, while the comfort rating is based on how comfortable the clothing is when it is worn in the Australian climate.

Motorcyclists are vulnerable road users with 323 riders killed on NSW roads in the past five years and more than 13,000 admitted to hospital with serious injuries, including 1,300 with abrasion injuries.

"This is why Transport for NSW’s Centre for Road Safety collaborated with State Insurance Regulatory Authority, Insurance Australia Group and the Australian Motorcycle Council as well as other agencies and motoring organisations around Australia and New Zealand, to develop the system and test the gear," Mrs Pavey said.

For the full list and more information on MotoCAP ratings visit:  www.motocap.com.au

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