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Why do I wear a helmet when I ride/ski/bike?
I can, and have done my job with a cast on. I can't do it if I am drooling on myself.
Why do I wear gear when I ride?
No matter what it costs, or how hot it is, or how "silly" I look, it is cheaper, cooler, and less "silly" looking then the cast, bandage, or wrap used to cover up whatever body part got ground up in the spill.
Threats can come from the most innocent objects too. Who else has hit a June bug? They can leave a pretty good bruise and welt... I took one in the kneecap this summer through a pair of jeans.