‘It Happened So Fast’: Pro Rider Emma McFerran’s Real-Life Reminder on Why Gear Isn’t Optional

In Partnership with StreetSmarts

Emma McFerran is no stranger to crashing. The pro rider and ex-Nitro Circus star has experienced her fair share of spills and thrills over years of motocross and freestyle riding. But one crash, unexpected and closer to home, made her rethink the importance of riding safely. 

It was a routine ride, where you wouldn’t expect everything to go wrong. But it did. “It’s always the same road so I just dressed in shorts and a singlet,” she tells Rolling Stone AU/NZ. “My gear was completely wrong and I had no safety equipment other than a helmet.”  

As Emma rounded a familiar corner, gravel unexpectedly littered the road. “It all happened so fast,” she remembers. “The front washed out and I still hung onto the bike. It sort of hit me, I was dizzy, I couldn’t see properly and yeah, I just kind of blacked out.”

After the crash, Emma endured months of hospital visits where her open wounds were painfully scrubbed clean. “Not able to shower the next week and then repeat this for month after month… It was tough. Obviously I could have been wearing the correct gear,” she admits. 

Emma’s journey as a rider began alongside her brother, Matt, diving headfirst into motocross as the world’s first brother-sister tandem freestyle team. But while stunt performances come with calculated risks, everyday riding can be deceptively unpredictable. 

It’s something many riders have to learn the hard way, including professional racer and world champion, Toby Price, who has swapped plenty of crash stories with Emma. “The difference between a crash at Nitro Circus to the open roads is you’re prepared and ready for a Nitro Circus crash,” Toby says. 

Love Music?

Get your daily dose of everything happening in Australian/New Zealand music and globally.

In the real world, you’re facing unknown factors. “There can be gravel on the road, there can be water, there can be anything.” 

The key pieces of gear Emma wishes she’d worn that day? Proper riding gloves, a protective jacket, durable riding pants, and reinforced boots, all specifically designed to withstand the abrasions and impacts of road crashes.

These days, riders don’t have to guess the correct gear. Tools like MotoCAP, an independent safety-rating platform tailored specifically for Australia and New Zealand riders, exist to help riders find the best gear for their ride. The website provides quick, reliable info on helmets and protective clothing to prevent your joints, skin and other vulnerable areas from serious injury. 

Riders like Emma and Toby understand that freedom and thrill are a big part of riding. But true freedom on the bike comes from confidence and preparation – and good gear is one of the most important factors. 

After a crash like Emma’s, getting your confidence back can take time. “The advice I’d give is to ride within your limits. At the end of the day, it’s just about you having fun and getting home safe,” she says. 

So next time you jump on the bike, remember to gear up properly, check the MotoCAP ratings, and respect the ride. As Emma learned the hard way, even the most routine trips deserve your best preparation. 

For more tips and resources on finding the safest riding gear, visit StreetSmarts.