There are a lot of misconceptions about motorcycles and the type of people who like to ride them. In the 1960's and 1970's, the mention of riding a motorcycle would conjure up images of a burly biker clad in leather with tattoos. Most of the time, this stereotype also cast these same bikers as members of a gang as well, but motorcycle groups actually work to support causes and families in a positive manner. And while it's true that there might be some motorcycle riders who fit this stereotype, it's really a myth that was perpetuated by many years through clichés on television and movies.
However, a few parts of this stereotype that might be correct, but there is a reason behind them. Motorcycle riders don't simply wear leather to look cool. In fact, leather is intended to work as a barrier between their skin and the road. Many times a good leather jacket or padded leather jeans and boots will be the thing that saves a biker from a road rash bad enough to require surgery and hospitalization. So the next time you see a person riding a motorcycle in leather, don't think that they're doing this to be cool or to look mean. They're using the leather as a safety device.
A lot of novice motorcycle riders get on their bikes and do not bother with helmets, pads, or other safety gear because they have this misconception of a stereotype in their mind. Most motorcycle riders know the importance of safety gear, and they would not dare travel without it, and most states require helmets to be worn at all times.
