Motorcycle Pants: What’s Required and What’s Optional When Riding to School

Last Updated on August 29, 2023 by Chase Reiner

When riding a motorcycle to school, required gear includes a DOT-approved helmet (in most states) and protective eyewear. Optional gear consists of abrasion-resistant pants, recommended for safety, with at least 600 denier fabric and CE-rated armor for added protection.

Can You Wear Motorcycle Pants when You Ride to School Daily?

Safety gear can be essential or optional depending on where you live and how intense your commute is. Some motorcyclists will never leave their homes without putting on their motorcycle pants. Additionally, it is advisable to wear helmets, gloves, boots, and jackets.

For others who live within a reasonable distance from their school and have comfortable roads to ride on daily, those same pieces of clothing may not be necessary every day. So what are the different requirements for riding motorcycles to school? Let’s explore the various options for apparel below:

Appropriate Motorcycle Gear When Riding to School Every Day

 Good Motorcycle Riding Pants

You’ve probably had your fair share of jeans-related mishaps if you regularly ride to school. Riding pants are designed to be both protective and comfortable, so they are a great option if you want to avoid denim while riding. 

Most riding pants comprise tough synthetic materials with stretch built-in. They usually have a higher waist, an elasticized cuff at the bottom, and a zip-off leg for protection around the knee. 

Therefore, you can unzip the knees for warmer days and zip them up when it gets cooler. If you reside in a place with a wide range of weather, riding pants let you remove the lower portion in the summer, when you might prefer shorts. 

At the same time, riding pants have enough room for you to wear a pair of long underwear underneath them in the colder months. Like any gear, the more you spend on riding pants, the more you’ll get out of them. 

However, some great mid-priced options will get the job done if you’re on a budget. If you desire to stay on top of the latest in fashion and still ride to school in style, you can find riding pants that look like regular pants. You can try dirty bike motocross motorcycle riding pants, and you can’t regret it.

 Boots Are Also Mandatory

Boots are the number one gear you should invest in when riding to school. You wear boots every time you ride, so it’s essential to find a pair that fits well and will protect your feet from the elements and exposure. 

You don’t have to go out and buy a pair of full-on motorcycle boots. A pair of riding boots or sturdy work boots will do just fine. An important thing to keep in mind is that some schools have a strict policy about footwear, so you may have to wear boots even if you live in an area where you can comfortably ride to school in sneakers or regular boots.

 Boots protect you from the elements, so it doesn’t matter if it’s raining or snowing out; you’ll be shielded from the water and cold. They also protect you from road hazards like broken glass and other harmful items. 

If you have the option to wear hiking boots, they’ll give you better ankle support, which is vital for motorcycle riding. Alternatively, engineer boots are also a good option.

Suitable Gloves Are a Must for Long Commutes

Gloves are necessary if you regularly commute over 30 miles to school on your motorcycle. Gloves protect your hands from the elements, impact, and pressure while riding, reducing the risk of burns, cuts, and blisters. 

You should wear leather or synthetic gloves with thick, sturdy palms and reinforced tips. Synthetic gloves are usually less expensive and a good option for shorter distances. Leather gloves are more durable but more expensive. 

As with boots, you have a few options for gloves. You can go for a cheaper pair for shorter commutes and a more expensive pair for longer trips. Keep in mind that the longer your ride is, the more your hands will sweat, so you’ll probably want a pair of gloves with enough airflow. 

If you regularly ride in warmer months, you can opt for a pair of mesh or leather gloves. Just make sure they meet the recommended safety standards.

Rain-Resistant Clothing is a Must for Commuters

If you regularly ride in the rain, you’ll want to find a water-resistant riding jacket. A good riding jacket will also offer protection from the elements. It will shield you from wind, rain, and cold weather. 

For longer rides to school, you may also want to consider a pair of rain pants. A good rain jacket will have a water-resistant shell and an inner liner to keep you warm when it’s cold out. Ideally, it will also have an adjustable collar, cuffs, and a few pockets for storage. 

Make sure the collar has a Velcro closure to keep the rain out. A pair of waterproof rain pants will be helpful when it’s pouring outside. Again, for longer rides, you’ll also want a rain jacket. If you’re riding on rainy days, you may also want to consider a pair of riding gloves lined with rubber. There are also waterproof bags and pouches designed to keep your electronics dry while you’re riding.

A Good Helmet is a Must Have

The most critical gear that you should never go without is a helmet. The helmet is your first line of defense against head injuries, so it’s essential to wear one while riding. You’ll want to find a durable, lightweight helmet with plenty of ventilation. 

It should fit snugly but not be too tight, and it should have plenty of other features like a built-in visor and an internal comfort liner. You may also want to buy a helmet with built-in speakers for riding with your friends.

If you ride regularly, you may want to consider upgrading to a more expensive full-face helmet. They provide more protection and are pricier, but they are worth the investment if you ride a lot.

Protective Gear is Always a Good Idea

Whether you regularly ride to school or only do it occasionally, you should invest in a good helmet and protective gear. Your helmet should be DOT-approved with a Snell sticker, and you should always wear a safety vest. If you ride a cruiser or a touring bike, you may also want to look into knee and elbow pads. 

If you ride a sports bike, you may want to invest in gloves with additional padding and a heavy-duty jacket. For longer rides, consider a pair of riding boots with additional support. 

Before purchasing any gear, make sure it meets the recommended safety standards. Keep in mind that the gear you wear to school will vary depending on the time of year. For example, you’ll likely want to wear a lighter helmet, gloves, and jacket in the summer. At the same time, you will want to invest in a pair of waterproof boots for rainy days.

What Else Do You Need to Bring?

In addition to bringing the right gear, you’ll also need to pack a few extras. Keep a first aid kit and a toolkit on your bike for longer rides. You’ll also want to keep a water bottle on your bike and have a pair of gloves handy for when you need to adjust something.

 Finally, don’t forget to wear a helmet-mounted light or a pair of reflective gear when it gets dark out. You must ensure you’re visible to other road users, so you don’t put yourself in danger. 

With the right gear and a little preparation, you can ride to school on your motorcycle worry-free. With a few adjustments, you’ll be ready to take on any weather or road conditions.

References:

https://www.mcgearhub.com/motorcycle-pants/best-street-riding-pants-guide-updated-reviews/
https://www.quora.com/Do-I-really-need-motorcycle-pants-when-I-ride-to-school-It-is-only-7-10-minutes-away-and-no-busy-roads-or-highways