The Brit helping to close the net on non-approved kit: Paul Varnsverry
‘Give riders the info they need and let them decide’
Back in the mid 1990s, standards for bike kit simply didn’t exist. Which was why former leathers manufacturer-turned-PPEconsultant, Paul Varnsverry, felt compelled to join others in the industry to help set up the first safety standard for bike gear.
But it doesn’t mean that Paul’s work is done, as he explains: “Towards the end of 2018, a few months after the PPE Regulation was fully implemented, it became evident that whilst most established brands were meeting their legal obligations, there was an entrenched core of businesses which were not. This was no more evident than at Motorcycle Live, in December 2021, when in just 15 minutes Alan Murray, CEO of the British Safety Industry Federation, and I identified six exhibitors which had not met their legal obligations.”
Through tireless campaigning and education, Paul finally inspired Trading Standards to look into sellers trading in non-compliant gear. “Newham Trading Standards attended the London Motorcycle Show and the scale of the issue was quantified, with increased priority now being placed on the issue of non-conforming essential riding kit by the authorities. From my conversations with trading standards departments around the country, they are planning activity for shows right through to the end of this year. In addition, there are indications they will be stepping up visits to manufacturers, importers, distributors and retailers.
“Whilst I do not support riders being legally required to wear approved clothing, the logic of buying a product which has been tested and approved is, to me, inescapable; but riders should have the freedom to choose what to wear. Give the riders the info they need and let them decide.”