This paper describes the draft CEN-standard (prEN 1621-1) named "Motorcyclists Protective Clothing against Mechanical Impacts, Part 1". It contains performance requirements for impact protectors fitted to motorcyclists' clothing. Impact protectors meeting the requirements of the standard will provide some protection against injury caused by impacts with road surfaces in motorcycle accidents. Injuries from impacts with such objects or other vehicles may be slightly reduced, although the capacity and performance of protectors is limited. This draft standard is the result of a long period of discussion and research within CEN/TC 162 working group 9. In his conclusion the author distinguishes between the different tasks of the motorcycle riders' clothing such as protection against atmospheric conditions and the secondary safety performance limited to protectors. He points out that further research is necessary to improve both the protectors and the standard. Quoting from an official document of the EU Commission, the author gives a negative answer to the question if there is an additional safety potential in riders clothing. He underlines the basic conflict requirements, for example the increase of secondary safety versus the limited manoeuvrability of the rider, which may cause accidents. Another conflict of requirements is the one of secondary safety versus primary safety which may occur if the rider's ability to handle his bike safely is negatively influenced by clothing reducing the fitness. The author proposes follow-up research before further standards for every kind of riders clothing could possibly be discussed. (A)
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