I think it's good that people are protected by these vests, and made more visibile. I just wish people were able to have more of an option of what they can wear. This is America. If they are gonna force someone to wear a protective vest, they should also give that person a wide variety of options to choose from. I don't want no ugly gear crampin my style.
For motorcyclists there really is a large amount of choice. I have no trouble with this:
at the Air Force Base I visit frequently. If you research MilSpec motorcycle clothing you will see that there is a huge choice.
I am more troubled by mandating cycling clothing because it adds testing and other expenses. It also goes further to making bicycling into a sport rather than a part of daily activity. Daily activities need no special "gear."
Yes, on long rides I will wear a bright jersey or a reflective vest; but, I have no desire to "suit-up" to go to the grocery store, make a quick run to the office, or to pick up something for dinner. People pushing for these laws are not your friends; they are trying to rationalize, and mandate, their car-centric lifestyle by making the car the only reasonable choice for daily activities requiring transportation.