By Chris Genovese
My thoughts on the topic of motorcycle safety have been strongly influenced by what I’ve seen and learned (the easy way) since joining the law firm three riding seasons ago. You may already know that the we like to focus on what riders can do to avoid collisions as much as is possible, and for obvious reasons. However, all riders have and should exercise the right to make their our own decisions when it comes to protective gear for those moments when we do everything right and things still go wrong. (Negligent and distracted drivers, wildlife, damaged roads, etc. – we’re looking at you!)
With my new insights, I’ve come to realize that one of my riskier behaviors has been my consistently bad habit of riding in hot and humid weather with just jeans and a t-shirt on. (And riding shoes and a helmet!) I mean, I’ve definitely noticed other riders that have done a much better job protecting themselves, even in the summer heat. And I’ve been curious enough to try on quite a few versions of vented riding jackets, but they all have seemed to be tailored to fit a younger rider, if you know what I mean.
So, I was recently very pleasantly surprised to finally find a vented riding jacket that fits me and does a good job of letting air through. This one’s an Icon Upstate Mesh CE over shirt (It’s half shirt, half jacket. A shacket!) with protective “armor” inserts in the elbows, shoulders, and back areas. Full disclosure, I did have to “upsize,” but the sleeves and length weren’t bad because it is a shacket, after all. I thought it was also reasonably priced, and therefore I bought it, at City Limit Moto / Triumph of Buffalo.
On hot and humid WNY summer days when the leather is just too much to bear, this shacket’s been a, shall I say, “breath of fresh air!” Admittedly, when it’s extra hot and sticky I don’t always love it at 30 mph or at long stop lights. In those conditions I will also take it off to fill up the tank. However, once I’m at speed, It’s actually very comfortable even on the hottest rides of the summer. Now I just need to convince my wife to join me and get one for herself. Good thing she is into shackets!
Some eyebrows were raised, I guess, when the Kantor Gullo tent was spotted in pictures featured in Hard Tales magazine; from a recent event where there was professional stunt riding going on. To be clear, the KGLF does NOT ever condone any kind of motorcycle riding or stunting that increases the dangers for riders or anybody else. However, it may be important to note that, when we are at an event, our job is to promote safety, but never to try to enforce it. It’s simply not our role. Besides, we think the best way for us to “convert” those that would be considered (by some) to be riding safety “sinners” is to hang out and promote safety while NOT ruining the vibe. Of course, we also support the right of professional riders to entertain folks and make a living. When it comes to stunt riding, the rest of us should never do it!
Finally, I’d like to thank all the ride and event organizers and all the folks that work for and support these establishments, causes, and charities. Let’s not forget the police escorts that we’ve had on some of our rides, the road captains, the intersection blockers, volunteers, donors, the (other) sponsors, and of course, those deserving souls that have benefitted from the riding community’s generosity. It was a pretty good summer for many of us, and I hope that we can agree that we’re all very fortunate to live where folks know how to fit a whole year of riding and fun into a relatively brief season.
At the Kantor Gullo Law Firm, we’re also very aware that some of our riding brothers and sisters and their families are going through difficult times in the wake of a riding collision or other incident. If you or someone that you know has been injured, or God forbid, killed, please know that we’re here to help. We’d welcome the opportunity to talk, and it’s 100% free to speak with one of our attorneys. So please don’t hesitate to reach out to find out if you or your family have a legal case, or if we can help with your insurance claims etc.
