Leather saves lives: Nurse sells apparel, promotes safety
Staff reporter
Motorcycle riding has become a favorite activity for Kansans. Unfortunately, with increased riders comes an increased risk of accidents.
Jane King of Marion wants to reduce the amount of injuries should motorcycle riders be involved in accidents.
"I see people on motorcycles without proper attire and it bothers me," said King.
As a registered nurse and avid motorcyclist, King has seen her share of injuries from motorcycle accidents.
"It's like having a second skin when you wear leather," King explained. "You can afford to ruin the top layer.
"They're deadly if a person is not properly attired," she said.
It bothered her so much, she decided to do something about it and started her business — Broken In Leathers.
For the past three summers, King has sold "gently used" leather attire, specifically designed for motorcycle riders.
She purchases leather jackets, chaps, and vests on ebay. On the first Sunday of each month during the summer, King takes her goods to Cassoday where thousands of motorcyclists converge for a monthly bike rally.
Typically, King maintains a stock of more than 100 items in various styles, colors, and sizes.
King also recognized the need for her business because of the lack of availability of motorcycle apparel in the Marion area.
"It's hard to find and it can be really expensive," she said. "This makes it available and affordable."
Recently, King added an employee to her business — Autumn Hanson. Hanson makes colorful skull caps that can be worn under helmets to keep hair and sweat out of riders' eyes. She also assists King with sales.
Contrary to logic, leather is not too hot to wear in the summer — as long as the rider keeps moving on the motorcycle. It protects riders from sun, wind, and the road.
"You're only about a foot from the pavement, going 70 miles per hour on the interstate," King emphasized. "Leathers make good sense."
She also would like to see increased awareness from motorists.
"Motorists don't seem to see motorcycles," said King. "Motorcyclists have to drive defensively."
When King isn't promoting motorcycle safety and selling leather goods, she is the director of nursing at Marion Manor and is training to be a nursing home administrator.
For more information or to make an appointment, call King at (620) 382-3338.
