Sidevalve. I see what you are saying but I am sure there must be a light material that can be woven to provide protection for road cyclists
It would need to be almost identical to modern cycling wear. Thin, stretchy, quick drying, printable, breathable but with long sleeves.
I cannot see the point of having a short sleeve protective jersey as it is your forearms that often take the brunt of aspill.
My working glove is made of a light, wool looking material and I can slice away at it with a stanley knife and it will not cut me. When I get to work I will give it an abrasion test on the electronic grinding wheel.
I feel a startup campaign coming on