This May, as part of Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, national motorcycle gear retailers Cycle Gear and RevZilla are launching a pivotal national safety initiative named Airbags Save. Aimed at mitigating the inherent risks of motorcycling through cutting-edge technology, this campaign underscores the importance of incorporating wearable airbag systems into the riding gear of motorcyclists across the nation.
The initiative arises amidst stark statistics that highlight the dangers motorcyclists face daily. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the year 2021 witnessed over 83,000 injuries and close to 6,000 fatalities among motorcycle enthusiasts. These figures are a sobering reminder of the critical need for enhanced protective measures in the motorcycling community.
Cycle Gear and RevZilla, both integral parts of the Comoto Family of Brands, are leveraging their industry influence to promote the adoption of advanced protective technologies. Central to the Airbags Save campaign is the advocacy for state-of-the-art wearable airbag systems. These systems utilize AI technology to activate within milliseconds of a crash, providing essential protection for the vital organs, including the spine, ribcage and even the neck/collarbone area, reducing up to 93% of impact force and the risk of injury.
Similar to the airbags found in automobiles, these wearable devices have demonstrated their efficacy on professional motorcycle racing circuits. Airbags have been compulsory in the highest level of racing since 2018 and allow riders to walk away from crashes upwards of 200 mph. Yet, despite their proven benefits, there remains a significant gap in awareness and usage among everyday riders.
A study by Darvin Research & Consulting indicated that prior to being informed about these devices, only a small fraction of the general riding population knew of their existence. However, upon learning about them, a staggering 96% of respondents expressed a desire for their loved ones to utilize this life-saving technology.
Stevan Popovich, President at Cycle Gear, draws a parallel between motorcycle airbags and car seatbelts to emphasize their importance. “Just like seatbelts, which are now a universal safety feature in cars, motorcycle airbags have shown a significant reduction in the risk of severe injuries. Our goal with the Airbags Save initiative is to normalize their usage among motorcyclists, akin to how seatbelts are perceived among car drivers,” Popovich explains.
The timing of this campaign aligns with broader national and state efforts to promote Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month. Even the President has commented on the dual nature of motorcycling—freedom entwined with risk — advocating for improved safety protocols that could dramatically reduce fatalities and injuries.
Throughout May, both Cycle Gear and RevZilla will not only be spotlighting airbag vests but also championing a comprehensive approach to safety. This includes the promotion of proper training and responsible riding behaviors. Motorcyclists are encouraged to visit any of the over 165 Cycle Gear stores across the country to engage with the Airbags Save campaign and explore an array of safety gear. This effort aims to educate and transform the riding habits of the motorcycle community, making safety a fundamental aspect of the exhilarating experience of motorcycling.
Greg Grzesiak is an Entrepreneur-In-Residence and Columnist at Grit Daily. As CEO of Grzesiak Growth LLC, Greg dedicates his time to helping CEOs influencers and entrepreneurs make the appearances that will grow their following in their reach globally. Over the years he has built strong partnerships with high profile educators and influencers in Youtube and traditional finance space. Greg is a University of Florida graduate with years of experience in marketing and journalism.
