Shorts in Winter

Question
Is it unhealthy to cycle in just cycling shorts and a short sleeved cycling top in Winter. I find I get hot very quickly on a bike. Where I live, maximum temperatures are typically 8-9C and minimum temperatures 2-3C in midwinter. At the moment the temperatures are around 14-17C in the day, and friends are already expressing concern about the way I dress.

Answer
Hello David,

In the first place I want to tell you that this is a very nice question. Because most of the times I get only questions about gears and bikestuff. But it ain't a strange question. First my question is if your are feeling uncomfy with bikeclothing or just to hot/warm. Further when it is lower than 15 degrees it is better to ride with a long cyclepants (with or without a seam). And when the temperatures are below 5 it is better to wear a rugged pants with a extra layer. But it depends also on windchill factor or if you are cyclin on a open road with a lot of wind or on a mtb trail.
When I ride overhere at wintertimes about minus zero and below I wear a thermoshirt, than a shortsleeve bike shirt and a jacket with windstopper inside (when it worse that I use a long sleeve shirt).
But when I need to stop or ride without any wind these jackets/shirts are opened but with a collar thermoshirt for stopping to catch a cold. Besides riding with longer pants/legwarmers is protecting your knees and joints. In spring/autums and winter I also use a protectingshield/wax for my legs, they warms and protects to get cold legs. Not just for the temperature but protecting from harm for the old days!
I think it is up to feel if those temperatures are cold, but remember what I say about the old days.

Mick