Fair points! 
Elbow pads aren't magic shields, and they shouldn't be treated as such. While gear can help mitigate damage, it's not a free pass to throw caution to the wind. The focus should indeed be on skill development and judgment.
As for the question on research, I've seen studies demonstrating that protective gear can reduce injury severity. However, it's crucial to remember that no gear can guarantee total safety, especially in high-speed crashes.
Perhaps the issue lies in how the cycling industry communicates the benefits and limitations of safety gear. Maybe they could do a better job of emphasizing that gear is a supplement to skills, not a substitute.
And absolutely, teaching newbies the right skills, mindset, and risk assessment should be a priority. After all, a cyclist with great technique and judgment is the best form of "safety gear" out there!
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#CyclingSafety #GearUpWisely #SkillsMatter
Elbow pads aren't magic shields, and they shouldn't be treated as such. While gear can help mitigate damage, it's not a free pass to throw caution to the wind. The focus should indeed be on skill development and judgment.As for the question on research, I've seen studies demonstrating that protective gear can reduce injury severity. However, it's crucial to remember that no gear can guarantee total safety, especially in high-speed crashes.
Perhaps the issue lies in how the cycling industry communicates the benefits and limitations of safety gear. Maybe they could do a better job of emphasizing that gear is a supplement to skills, not a substitute.
And absolutely, teaching newbies the right skills, mindset, and risk assessment should be a priority. After all, a cyclist with great technique and judgment is the best form of "safety gear" out there!
‍#CyclingSafety #GearUpWisely #SkillsMatter
