Why do people in England wear summer clothes when it's rather cold?

I cycle to work. I live in London. It rarely gets below freezing, a really cold day is -2 or so. A once in 10 year day is -10. Read the journals of Antarctic explorers and they’ll tell you they think its uncomfortably hot when its up to -10.

The worst weather is slightly above freezing and raining - it is really nasty - very unpleasant to cycle in. But that doesnt happen that often - if it does I regret not wearing gloves.

I always wear shorts when cycling. Why?

• It really isn’t that cold - as long as you are moving about
• If its wet my legs dry out faster than a pair of trousers/long leggings
• I don’t have to cycle that far
• the exercise keeps you warm
• It’s practical