I'd disagree there. I'd say defensive riding and good roadcraft and the correct PPE is part of an overall package. Placing yourself in any situation which has the potential to be dangerous is something that can be addressed by putting control measures in place to deal with hazards and reduce risk. In my line of work we have many different examples of components of an overall 'package' to allow us to carry out our duties safely and efficiently. We have Standard Operating Procedures, Instructional Training Notes, Technical Information Notes, Service Policy and Procedures and an Incident Command System to name but a few. Couple all the above up with the correct PPE and equipment for any given situation and we can reduce the potential exposure to the hazards which reduces the likelihood of risk. Apologies if that sounds like a Health & Safety lecture but it is fairly common sense to be honest and can be applied to many areas of life including riding fast bikes on the road.
As I said previously, I'm an advocate of freedom of choice but when exercising that freedom of choice clearly contradicts common sense and exposes an individual to a much higher potential for risk and serious injury it that 'right to wear what I like' becomes farcical.
It would appear that those who advocate this freedom of choice and exercise it when riding will continue to do so. However they may not realise the folly in this until they have an 'off' and remove several centimetres of skin and bone from their person. If that's what it takes to afford these riders the perspective of what massive risks they are potentially undertaking then so be it. Continue riding in shorts, t-shirts and flip flops until that day perhaps arrives. I'll stick with my leathers and textiles though, thanks.
To play devils advocate here a little though, I'd agree with the point Sagalout made earlier:-
I've seen this happen on a few occasions. And I will admit I've went through this thought process myself many years ago. It's something that is a natural human reaction and can only be expected to a certain degree. Riding in a £2k one piece suit doesn't guarantee you will be perfectly fine in the event of an 'off' and many inexperienced riders would do well to remember this. Unfortunately many do not.
And finally, aside from what I've previously described as my current career which spans over 23 years in the Fire & Rescue Service and the resulting RTC's involving bikes I've attended and dealt with, there's THIS. Still affects me if I'm honest and although he was wearing full riding kit and was killed almost instantly it was the worst day of my life to date. I feel fairly well qualified to comment on the subject of all aspects of biking safety including wearing the correct kit on the roads. Forgive me if I'm fairly vocal on the subject.
