I like 'em for comfort (the padding is good), but I agree about safety. I've had gravel in my hand from both cycling and rollerblading accidents when I was younger, and it hurts. ILTB, cloth won't help, but most cycling gloves are either leather palmed or some sort of padded suede material. They'll take a good bit of beating. I don't consider them vital though, and ride without mine often, and almost always for commuting (which I do in my work clothes)