Talking to somebody at work who cycles recreationally about cycle paths, they mentioned how in the Nordic countries, priority is given to cyclists on the roads. Seems every cyclist knows about the Dutch and Danish cycling cultures which they would like to see in the UK. They would like cycling to become mainstream.
Ironically though, in my experience, most are either dismissive of the type of bikes best suited for use as everyday transport, seeing them as too heavy and slow to be practical, or seemingly unaware that they even exist - all the equipment on my bike raises a few eyebrows and did with this chap at work, who has been quite complementary to be fair, in between jokes about its weight and how I might need a low loader (truck) to carry it on the back to the place that I wanted to ride...he didn't get it: the bike's for riding as soon as I leave my house, not to stick on the back of a motor vehicle for carrying before use...At best, you see the occasional review on a British internet forum giving the impression of viewing them as novelty or niche.
Let me make a prediction: if cycling is to become mainstream as the cycling lobby desire, the heavy slow bikes are going to be the most favoured type to use, as they are built to be used as regular transportation. To these should be added electric bikes and this is reflected in their increasing popularity in Europe - more bike makers are adding e-bikes to their line.
I believe cycling will become mainstream again in the UK when the majority see the pushbike as a realistic alternative to their cars - especially in the UK. Having to don specialist clothing, get cold and wet and riding something better suited to sports rather than utility will hinder the preference for pushbikes over motor vehicles.
I think the bicycle excels as transport in fair weather, for short to medium distances, accessing areas closed to motor vehicles, but too far or inconvenient to walk to. Even at it's slowest, say 5 miles per hour, a bike is moving faster than most people walk and you can make the bike work for you by carrying stuff. Very easy and convenient. The cycling cultures recognise this which is why they ride the bikes they do. As did the British before the 1970s when the pushbike started to be seen as a toy or sport and leisure item...and still is given what people ride and what most bike shops stock...
This might not be what the fixed gear fanatics or Campagnolo collectors want to hear; but being the optimist however, I think an interest in utility biking could lead to an interest in club riding and cycling sport and overall cycling popularity. It's just a case of recognising horses for courses first...
