When what’s on the outside counts: Protective motorcycle apparel

Abstract

The present study aims to investigate the intention to use non-mandatory protective motorcycle apparel in a sample of Australian motorcycle riders. Past research indicates that not all motorcyclists wear non-mandatory protective apparel on every ride. Given the efficacy of protective motorcycle apparel to reduce the severity of injuries and likelihood of fatality, it is important to understand the factors contributing to usage rates. The present study applied the Theory of Planned Behaviour to examine the factors driving and impeding use of mandatory and non-mandatory protective motorcycle apparel. Participants were 398 licenced motorcycle riders (80.9% male, 18.8% female, 0.3% other) who took part in an online survey assessing licence status, riding experience, primary reason for riding, returning rider status, protective motorcycle apparel use on their most recent ride, and all Theory of Planned Behaviour constructs (i.e., attitudes, subjective norms, perceived behavioural control, and intentions to wear protective motorcycle apparel), including the extended constructs of descriptive norms and anticipated regret. Overall, the results showed that the majority of riders in every age category wore a full faced helmet, motorcycle-specific top, gloves, boots, and impact protectors on their most recent ride. The results indicated that both the original and extended Theory of Planned Behaviour constructs were positively associated with intention to use protective motorcycle apparel. The present study provides preliminary evidence to suggest that the efforts by industry stakeholders to improve non-mandated protective motorcycle apparel use by Queensland motorcyclists have been efficacious..