The saying sweat wipes off and road rash doesn't, easily gets forgotten on days like yesterday, I can tell you I am a STAR SCAR model centerfold for surgeons weekly forum against road accidents, and none were on a road bike.
And I do ride without gear occassionally these days but not often and I don't encourage anyone to do so otherwise.
I will continue to exercise my right and choice to do so, in the past and not that long ago even without a lid, it was actually legal to do so which is awesome freedom btw . Also naked and flip flops (but with a lid, pissed, stoned, shotty, some easy chick etc and very different times)
Another old saying is ride to the conditions, which these days fit very well with the above.. especially naked. Well ya do not want certain bits worn to the bone right?
So sometimes when you shouldn't or don't want too ride and ya just dont feel right about it then go real easy when you just have too or just don't. Meaning if you dont feel safe even with ALL the gear on then it is still a choice.
Been doing it for years irresponsibly and this is my chance to shove it in anyones face that gets on their soap box about protective gear

But before you get all narky, I NOW ride with all the gear most of the time, and some of it all the time, my choice
I know it makes sense, well to me it does although I can no longer and generally dont want to do the dangerous stuff

At least as often anyway
Oh, fyi I don't do illegal unsociable shite anymore... too old and couldnt be farked...so ya all safe from the bad man... 