Those are really interesting points - I don't think it's solely cycling's fault (a combination of an aggressive, impatient road culture generally, and a widespread view that bikes are mainly about sport have contributed).
The problem for me is that it's hard to encourage the "other" type of cycling here - my experience of local roads is that going slow(er) is a recipe for more close overtaking and tailgating - most errand destinations aren't set up for large numbers of people getting there by bike. The whole thing becomes self reinforcing - relatively fit enthusiasts are the majority because road conditions don't really suit anyone else; as they're the majority, marketing of cycling, road design &c is skewed to them, and so it goes.
It's not just utility cycling that suffers either - I think the UK could clean up as a cycle touring destination, but I'd not fancy fully loaded touring speeds on many of our roads. (Not least the one you encounter immediately after getting off the ferry, hugely aggressive and intimidatory driving immediately upon entering the UK, ime).
. Its a great commercial. Party pooper you.
