(10-07-13, 12:22 PM)cfoley link Wrote: I stopped riding my bike to work. By the time I have peeled off my leather jacket and changed my boots I'm a sweaty, sticky mess.
Driving to work, I notice a lot of cyclists. I googled cycle shorts and found that they are made of lightweight, high-wicking fabrics. The only protection they offer is SPF 50. (My leather jacket might be perforated but that's neither lightweight nor high wicking!) I've kept pace with some cyclists and the faster of them often do 20 MPH on the road, sometimes faster downhill.
Now, there is a route I can go to work that is 30 MPH the whole way, and I'm wondering if I really need my jacket, boots and knee armour. Is the difference between crashing at 20 MPH and 30 MPH more likely to send me to hospital or am I just at the same level of risk as the cyclists?
Assuming that there isn't much of a difference, one of our cultures is wrong. Are we ridiculously overprotected for low-speed commuting? Are cyclists the crazy ones, zipping about at 20 MPH naked (effectively)?
I have lots of experience in riding bicycles (some less riding motorcycles), and have fallen many times off both.
Difference:
Motorcycle is heavier. When you drop, it is heavy, can pull you down hard if you don't let go, can fall on you.
Motorcycle can also go a lot faster easily.
When I ride in shorts I usually take it easy. I'm not cooking in long leathers, so am less nervous and can easily ride at 40 km/h. Put cycling helmet, goggles and ride. But I dare not go fast without gear - or very seldom, knowing the risks. When I'm in full leathers, and it's too hot outside, I ride too fast often - which is sometimes more dangerous. In spite of the protective gear.
Gloves are a must. Helmet also.
Today I rode in to work in mesh jacket (summer one), summer gloves, helmet, t-shirt, jeans, sneakers and knee protectors BMX style - like these:
[img height=703 width=697]http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee149/leaforge/Qtech%20Protection/HingedKneePads2.jpg[/img]
When it's hotter- just shorts and t-shirt. And SLOOOOOOWLY.
Most things done in a hurry need to be done again - patiently.