recumbentpanda wrote:...Somehow, by creating off road infrastructure we have ended up turning cycling from a fuel free way of getting around to just another reason for burning gas...
We have a transport environment that has been optimised for higher speeds to the extent that most people don't cycle. The people that are driving there probably don't feel comfortable trying to access these safe cycling areas by bicycle by whatever routes are reasonable. If your only option included 3 miles of 70 mph dual carriageway you might be tempted to consider options other than cycling to cover that section.
With the conditions for cycling in the UK at present it almost has to be accepted, but it does also make cycling sport rather than transport. I'm happy to see people cycling at all, and safe networks of routes are a very long way off. You are right though, cycling has largely evolved from something that saved you money and kept you fit to something that you spend your money on, if you have any left after maintaining your car. To be honest I don't know that many people who would identify themselves as "cyclists" who would actually consider it as a viable transport option these days, perhaps due to the need to get changed and charge the garmin or whatever.