Scary and unnerving: TAC puts motorcycle safety gear to the test with the Shredmill

Victoria's Transport Accident Commission (TAC) is putting motorcycle safety gear through the ultimate test in a powerful new campaign showing riders just how much protection their clothing really offers.

At the centre of Check Your Gear Before You Hit the Road is the Shredmill, a road-sized abrasion machine that simulates the punishing impact of sliding across asphalt. Developed with independent motorcycle safety testing program MotoCAP, the machine puts protective clothing to the test, revealing how quickly some garments can be shredded compared with five-star rated alternatives.

The message is simple: expensive or impressive-looking motorcycle clothing doesn't necessarily offer the best protection in a crash.

The campaign, developed by Clemenger BBDO with production from FINCH, will feature at the Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix at Phillip Island, where riders can watch the Shredmill in action and learn more about the independent safety ratings available through MotoCAP.

TAC executive general manager for marketing and behaviour change Fin Bird said the campaign aims to encourage riders to make more informed decisions about protective clothing.

“Riders know protective gear matters, but not all gear on the market offers the same level of protection. To help reduce the severity of injuries when motorcycle crashes occur, this campaign aims to raise awareness of MotoCAP, a free, independent resource that helps riders make informed choices about the gear they buy and wear,” Bird said.

The Shredmill also features in a wider campaign across film, social and digital, capturing riders' reactions as their gear is put to the test.

The campaign directs riders to MotoCAP's independent testing results to check the safety performance of their clothing before hitting the road.

Clemenger BBDO ECD Giles Watson said the road feels passive until the moment you come off.

"Then it becomes the ultimate judge of your gear. We built The Shredmill to bring that test forward, so riders can see the difference for themselves in a way that real riders could interact with."