ATGATT: All the gear, all the time. Shorthand for a philosophy that complete motorcycle safety gear should be worn at all times, and gear should not be reduced at times when the perceived risk is less.
Safety gear is critical. I borrowed that blockquote text from this Wikipedia entry on motorcycle training.
The image below, which I found on Pinterest, explains what ATGATT means.
Wearing gear like that isn’t always comfortable. Especially in the Summer. Talk about getting hot and sweaty. But I’d much rather deal with some occasional discomfort than risk worse injury in the event of a crash.
I’m thinking that recreational riding is being discouraged. If you are riding to get groceries, meds, or riding to work, I don’t think there should be an issue. I guess it depends on how the “guidelines” are being enforced if at all. Some people have said that an accident while riding could tax an already overloaded medical system.
But ATGATT does minimize that.
Richard, that’s a good point. I hadn’t thought about that. The last place I would want to be right now is a hospital. I had to pick up a written prescription today. Going into a doctor’s office (just the lobby) was unnerving enough!
Oh wow, that is a good point Richard makes about the potential for an accident. Although traffic is severely reduced, and you and I both know what the greatest risk to a conscientious motorcyclist is, the other guy! Still, don’t want to be in a hospital.
Exactly, Lynne. Avoid hospitals at all costs.