Well, just let me say that, living in Philippines for the past several years, I have seen risks, and then some!! I live on a small island, and I usually wear shorts, Tee-shirt and flip-flips all the time while riding. However, I always wear my helmet. Now I know that some will say my atire is not appropriate, but whenever I leave the island and go further, meaning having to drive faster than 40kmh, I wear jeans, boots and gloves. Sometimes even a longsleeve shirt!! The locals always wear next to no protectipn, and seldom helmets!! There is a risk inherent to anything that is fun!!