Safety is HOT.

I'm so excited about this community taking off - I really want to see it succeed. But there's only so much I can contribute personally to a safety community, since I work at a desk 9 to 5 and my biggest safety concern at work is not getting paper cuts. However, in my free time after work and on weekends, I am all about personal protective equipment and safety. Can you guess why?

That's right, because I ride. Two years ago, after being an enthusiastic motorcycle passenger for my entire life, I finally got the courage and encouragement I needed to take the Motorcycle Ohio basic rider safety course and get my license. It was hard for me because I had never even ridden a moped or scooter before, but after taking the course twice (yes, that's right - not once but twice!), I was a confident and safe rider.

For me, part of being a safe rider means wearing PPE at all times. In the middle of summer, I watch bikers with bare heads and arms with a mixture of envy and concern. Sure, I'd love to feel that freedom and enjoy the cool feeling of the breeze when I ride on hot summer days. Instead, I swelter at stop signs and red lights in my full face helmet, armor plated jacket, long jeans and leather boots and gloves. Why? Because safety is of the utmost importance to me when I ride.

Fall is coming up though, and that's my favorite time of all to ride. Long rides on beautiful country back roads and best of all, nice cool weather so I can wear my favorite PPE of all, full riding leathers (jacket and chaps). I feel super snug and safe in my stylish PPE and I know that I'm as safe as I can possibly get on two wheels. There will always be cars who don't see me, deer who can run out in front of me and other hazards when I ride. That's why for me, no matter what the season, my focus is on wearing appropriate PPE no matter what.

How about you - any other riders out there? Do you wear a helmet and other PPE?