SusanJ

I read the posts, thanks for all the questions & replies. I've decided to get a helmet. How about knee & elbow pads?

Ogsarg

I think that depends on how you feel on the bike. When I started riding again getting pads never crossed my mind but I spent a lot of time on bikes as a kid and never felt unsure of myself when I started again.

Have you actually started riding again or just getting ready to?

Iride01 

It depends on how adverse you are to getting scraped up. Or if you are more prone to worse injury such as bone fractures from falls, then that's a pretty good reason to.

I've fallen, and been banged around by all sorts of things all my life and have never had a fracture. So I don't worry about such for me. A scar from a scrape is just conversation starters, though I don't scar easily either.

I don't wear knee or elbow pads. I've noticed some that do. I don't think anything bad toward them for wearing them.

I did recently start wearing gloves. The ones with the fingers cut out and no padding other than leather palm. They do make it more comfortable to ride on the hoods of the STI levers. They'll hopefully keep the skin on my palms if I ever hit the pavement palms first. But in 50 some years, I have not done that either.

At any rate... how that for starters?

Welcome to the bike forums.

RonH

Depends on what bike you ride and where you ride.

jon c. 

Off road you might want them. Road riding you really don't need that level of protection.

canklecat

The most serious biking injuries I've seen among friends and acquaintances wouldn't be helped by elbow or knee pads. The worst injuries have been broken collarbones, ribs and legs. Offhand, only one occurred during an off road ride, on a local single track course. The others were road biking falls, including my own cracked ribs and skinned elbows/forearms. Years ago my worst injuries were road rash and hip bruises from road racing crashes.

Elbow pads could minimize some pesky injuries. A friend had been undergoing physical therapy after an elbow injury.

Knee pads restrict movement too much to be practical for most cycling and would cause chafing. They'd be useful for downhillers -- less pedaling in that sport. The only knee pad I've been able to wear -- temporarily -- is a jumper's knee strap, which is also helpful for stabilizing the patella when that specific type of knee strain occurs.

If pads help you feel more confident, go ahead and wear 'em. But you'll probably leave them at home pretty soon.

qcpmsame 

To start up try riding in a grassy relatively flat area to get things figured out, and regain the balance skills you'll need. If you do go down its low speed and more forgiving than pavement of gravel would be. I agree with those that recommended to forego the elbow and knee pads, but if they give you confidence to ride more then by all means, use them. If you have had a knee replacement of work on an elbow, ask your orthopedic doctor what to use. Best of luck on your return to cycling, its made things in life much better in my case.

Bill

FlamsteadHill

I would say that, if you're that concerned, why not? It's unlikely to impair you, and until you gain confidence, it will be a confidence booster.

If you're concerned about what people will think, don't be.

Maelochs

I agree with @FlamsteadHill; wear protection if yo want.

I think pretty soon you won;'t feel any need or desire, but if it helps get yuo started because you feel safer ... it helps.

If later yo want to wear protection or not ... do. Or don't.

I think riding a bike is great fun and has ancillary benefits, and any one who is courageous enough to get back on a bike after fifty years of deserves encouragement. The reward will be in the riding.

rydabent

If you happen to be blessed physically as I am for my age --79--riding when older is great. I ride approx 25 miles every other day.

Wildwood 

Padded gloves = definite YES.
Pads for elbows and knees, would be uncomfortable for me.

First rule of cycling is Rubber Side Down. If that is an issue, a different bike might be the best solution.