We've had several very long conversations about this here in OR town, and as long as some of the good ones weren't lost in that server crash, a little searching will show you that your decision to wear gear or not absolutely has an effect on everyone else, and the ripples affect those even outside our little motorcycle community. It's the same reason they made seatbelt rules - because it does affect other people. Again, I won't rehash the whole argument, but we've stated before that you need to think of things outside your little bubble. Yes, I think it should be up to everyone's own discretion whether or not to wear gear. Period. But I also think that everyone should sit and think about the actual ramifications of their actions. The reach is rather more lengthy than some give it credit for...