*I. Do wonder why people dont wear much protective clothing so much now bike * Its almost a fashion not too
It is of course a free country but not from experience all to well in not wearing boots.
Darwin aware winners in the making.
That being said, some of this new āfashionā biking gear looks pretty much like clothes but are actually bike gear so I donāt judge as much now.
it is the ones with zero common sense, like the lady I saw once whoās tyre exploded on her and it has ZERO tread when I asked she did not even realise you should check the tyres. she was lucky not to be killed!
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I dont think it has changed much, especially in town. Ive been commuting into London for 15+ years and there have always been the āshorts and flip flopsā crowd.
Some people can balance risk Vs hassle.
I remember when I used to have to ride a few miles to work in Epsom, Iād go in a jacket, helmet and gloves.
Because if I had to take boots, trousers and pack spare gear with me, it just wasnāt worth riding and the public transport was a nightmare.
When I had to commute to London, Iād wear everything as the distance and speed could be greater.
If I was going out for some food with my wife, we wouldnāt go full power ranger. I rode like a granny and just accepted that sometimes you have to take a risk. On a baking hot day I have worn shorts and t-shirt and rode even slower to avoid coming to a restaurant or cafe drenched in my own sweat
Iām not saying thereās no numpties that havenāt got a foggiest but thatās not everyone who doesnāt wear atgatt
Ok flip flops I draw the line even though I used to do that in Greeceā¦ But then again, there I wasnāt wearing a helmet and was pillion on a dirt bike without rear pegs. That was stupid, I agree, but I was young and we all have to make mistakes as young and hope they donāt cost us.
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Thanksfor taking time and trouble to respond
I never like people would get ordered to wear what other people seem to be suitable
My friend would say he would not dress up as Darth Vader to get a pint of milk from the CO OP near by.
Really what suits you best
Thanks Guys Tony
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One thing is for sure with the flip flop and t shirt brigade if they are unfortunate enough to have an accident I bet they will think twice about what they wear the next time! Gravel rash really hurts!
golly i thought every serious biker wore protective gear, In fact i am probably too protected
I was on a Sunday ride once, there was a Monster rider in jeans (ordinary jeans, not biking ones). Another of the group made a comment. The jeans guy replied something about ājust an easy social rideā. The commenter said ālet me show you easy ridingā. He pulled off one boot, unzipped the lower part of his leathers and pulled them aside. He had a scar running from his knee to his ankle. āThat was literally going for a pint of milk, I was too lazy to suit-upā.
On the other hand I have worn flip-flops on the scooter: 35Ā°C, just going around the corner, keeping under the 20 mph limit; I judge it less risk than cycling my pedal bicycle and Iām often in shorts and sandals on that.
I have only once ridden a motorbike in shorts, i was picking up fish and chips from the village chippy, only a 15 minute walk but i didnt want my fish going soggy on the walk back. It felt very exposed even though i probably only hit 20mph for aand i have regulary cycled faster than that in shorts & tshirt
Well I usually have gear on me, Iām lucky enough or maybe ride long enough to accumulate various options, TechAir with sport leathers for slightly more progressive outings, some casual leathers for going to the local bike spot, mesh gear for hot weather (usually 1-2 days a year 
).
So, in the essence yes I do ride fully kitted. But I had my moments of shorts and t-shirt, here or on holidays. In UK is petrifying, as no one sees you, everyone driving/riding has better things to do than having surrounding awareness, on holiday tho, in any country with emphasis to countries where mopeds are main way of travel it is enjoyable.
Some video with numbers to understand how protective, the protective gear is:
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