World first ratings system for motorcycle clothing launched

Published date: 17 Sep 2018

Victorian motorcycle and scooter riders will have online access to a world first rating system for motorcycle clothing, with today’s launch of the Motorcycle Clothing Assessment Program – MotoCAP.

The Transport Accident Commission, VicRoads and RACV have partnered with agencies across Australia and New Zealand to develop the program, which will give riders more information when choosing what they wear when riding.

TAC Senior Road Safety Specialist David Young said the MotoCAP program would provide two separate star ratings on clothing, one for protection and one for comfort, via a new website.

“Motorcycle and scooter riders have very little protection other than their helmet and their clothing when involved in a crash,” Mr Young said.

“There are plenty of options out there for safe and affordable protective clothing and MotoCAP makes it easier for riders to balance the sometimes conflicting needs of personal protection and comfort.”

New findings from the TAC’s 2017 Motorcycle Monitor show the majority of Victorian riders always wear protective gloves (80%), a full face helmet (72%), riding jacket (71%) and boots (70%), however only 47 per cent or respondents wore motorcycle riding pants all the time.

TAC research shows contusions, abrasions and lacerations are the second most common type of injury sustained from on-road motorcycle crashes in Victoria, behind fractured limbs.

RACV Manager Vehicle Engineering Michael Case said 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.

“The development of MotoCAP means riders will now have more information about their choice of protective gear,” Mr Case said.

“RACV sees the new rating system as a big step towards making motorcyclists safer.”

MotoCAP testing is carried out by Deakin University Institute for Frontier Materials.

For more information on MotoCAP ratings and the scheme visit www.motocap.com.au