I notice that these cities do not have helmet laws. Here in Vancouver, commuting by bike means helmet, spandex, special shoes, showers, etc. Although that sounds flippant, it has an effect (ie The same effect as why populations will ride Skytrain but not buses). The image of a cyclist in Vancouver is a Mountain Equipment Co-op member in a reflective vest. It is not a 50 year old woman in a skirt with her scarf blowing in the wind, wicker basket full of groceries. Somebody has to get the marketing right. Critical Mass pushes cycling even more to the fringe.