Verona man's furry green motorcycle helmet attracting attention on A-K Valley roads

Jeff Barnes wants you to notice him.

That’s why the Verona man who works in New Kensington dons a furry, green motorcycle helmet cover with a Muppet-like face when he rides around the Alle-Kiski Valley and beyond.

Yes, he enjoys seeing people smile when they get a glimpse of his outlandish helmet cover. But he also wants to make sure other motorists see him when they’re behind the wheel.

“It makes me feel safer for drivers to see me, and I like to see them do a double-take, even if someone shakes their head and says, ‘That idiot,’ ” Barnes said.

Barnes, 31, survived a horrific motorcycle accident five years ago that knocked him 25 feet off his bike in Clarion County. Barnes believes the driver of the car that struck him was distracted.

“A lot of drivers are distracted by conversations, eating and looking at their cellphones,” said Cpl. Brent Miller, director of the Pennsylvania State Police communications office.

“Motorcycles are a lot smaller than other vehicles, and motorists need to always look for them before changing lanes and pulling out into an intersection,” Miller added. “Anything that is reflective or is a bright color is a good idea for a motorcyclist to wear so they are better seen by motorists.”

Barnes said he wanted to get back on a motorcycle after his monthslong recovery, but not without taking precautions.

He started out by wearing a bright fluorescent yellow vest. Then, he got a bright green Kawasaki motorcycle.

The game changer for Barnes was discovering brightly colored helmet covers about a year ago online. The coverings, which fit over a standard motorcycle helmet, cost about $30, Barnes said.

People have been noticing. Motorists on Facebook pages such as Don’t Wait on 28! and the New Kensington community page have been reporting sightings and posting photos of the motorcyclist many have dubbed the Green Fuzzy Furry.

“I got to see so many people laugh and smile when they saw me,” Barnes said. “During the pandemic, I didn’t realize how much I missed seeing people smile with everyone wearing a mask.”

Barnes said he might switch up his helmet cover at some point. Other covers that have attracted his attention include ones resembling a Viking helmet, a pumpkin and Santa Claus.