Women riders’ tight-fitting leggings may look great, but they still fail the safety test, according to the Australian MotoCAP safety and comfort ratings system.
The highest safety rating MotoCAP has given to leggings is only two out of a maximum of five stars given to the $269 Resurgence Sara Jane Leggings.
All four other brands of leggings tested so far have only rated half a star.
They are also the best performing ladies textile pants rated so far.
Of course, leggings are not designed form maximum protection on a racetrack, but to be worn around town where fashion and comfort also rate highly.
MotoCAP chief scientist Chris Hurren points out that urban and country riders need different levels of abrasion, impact and seam-bursting protection in their riding gear.
He explains the differences in this video from MotoCAP, the world’s first safety and comfort ratings system for motorcycle clothing which launched on 18 September 2018.
The leggings are among 13 items recently added to the 266 items of clothing MotoCAP has so far tested. They include 64 pants, 125 jackets and 77 gloves.
Last year, MotoCAP won a Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM) road safety award.
MotoCAP is a partnership between Transport for NSW, State Insurance Regulatory Authority (SIRA), VicRoads, Transport Accident Commission (TAC), Royal Automobile Club of Victoria (RACV), Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR), Motor Accident Insurance Commission (MAIC), Lifetime Support Authority (LSA), Western Australian Police: Road Safety Commission, Department of State Growth, Insurance Australia Group (IAG), Australian Motorcycle Council and Accident Compensation Corporation in New Zealand.
