[sgrock]

I think the biggest reason is the lack of good safe bike paths and infrastructure most places. As someone (in the US) who bikes nearly every day as my primary form of transportation I'm quick to admit that bike commuting is dangerous. I love it, but it requires constant vigilance and careful attention not to get hit by a car or a door (and I live in Portland which is much more bike friendly than most US cities). Bikers frequently share lanes with fast moving cars and it's very common for bike lanes to end unexpectedly, leaving the cyclist in a dangerous spot.

I'm willing to accept these risks, but for most people it's not worth it. My wife also enjoys biking, but hates to ride on busy streets for fear of ending up on the wrong end of a distracted motorist. This limits her options to weekend pleasure rides on dedicated bike paths.

The trick to getting more people to cycle is to invest heavily in bike path infrastructure so that more people will feel safe using it as a primary form of transportation.

[Someone]

For zillions of examples what investing in infrastructure means, see http://bicycledutch.wordpress.com

Road redesign: http://bicycledutch.wordpress.com/2013/08/08/making-a-1960s-...

Parking facilities: http://bicycledutch.wordpress.com/2013/08/01/modern-indoor-b... (and, in a few years time: http://www.bouwpututrecht.nl/bu/2013/06/21/largest-bicycle-p...)

http://bicycledutch.wordpress.com/2013/08/05/amsterdam-cycli... shows that things have been even better, though.

[agumonkey]

Agreed.

- Spacey or dedicated lanes are a major requirement. And in my fantasies I'd like two kinds of lanes, speedy and casual. Riding around 25kmph for commuting can be dangerous if the lane thins out, people ride/run slow, kids play around.

- Also, secured parking spots. I refrain from riding when I don't know where I'm gonna park. Too easy to pick/steal https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UGttmR2DTY8 . Or a <20 bucks tagging device (in 2013 it's probably easy for many manufacturers)

[akulbe]

I am from Portland, as well. And the "bike friendly" claim seems like a joke after having lived in Amsterdam for nearly two years.

I don't think we (Portlanders) have a clue what bike-friendly is. It would be nice if biking in Portland were safe enough that you didn't have to wear a helmet - like it is here in Amsterdam. (I happen to be back over here in AMS for a month).