Meh, I can ride with them or without them. IF you fall, they do help prevent getting dirt and gravel embedded in your palms, they absorb some road shock and are handy for wiping sweat and snot from your face and head. But many times I ride without them, if just to get some sun on my lily white hands!
IMO, the only things 'required' to ride a bike are a bike and a rider, but some things can make it more comfortable or potentially mitigate the damage from accidents.
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"Let us hope our weapons are never needed --but do not forget what the common people knew when they demanded the Bill of Rights: An armed citizenry is the first defense, the best defense, and the final defense against tyranny. If guns are outlawed, only the government will have guns. Only the police, the secret police, the military, the hired servants of our rulers. Only the government -- and a few outlaws. I intend to be among the outlaws" - Edward Abbey