I do get so amused with the British attitude to cycling. It’s rather like the American attitude to “going for a walk in the country”.
Whereas someone in the UK might simply don a stouter pair of shoes, and perhaps a jacket if the weather looked a little inclement, a ‘Merican will be clad head to foot in technical clothing, with more pockets than a thing with lots of pockets.
Equally, in the UK, “I’m going for a quick ride” means full lycra, even if it’s just nipping to the other side of town. I have people in the office look at me like I’m some sort of loon when I set off home at the end of the day, and the only clothing change I make is to tip my helmet to a jaunty angle (As it were!).