Living Car Free - What Bicycle Craze???

I've had motels in Philly and parts of Quebec be super accommodating about my bicycle, but it looks like these hotels are supplying bikes to guests. But this isn't a craze like the '70s ten-speed craze is it?

http://www.usatoday.com/travel/hotels/2008-11-13-hotel-bicycles_N.htm

Who knows?

I'm not certain, but I recall that the '70s golden era came at a time when there was a messed-up economy, combined with a lot of enthusiasm about the environment. That sounds a lot like 2008.

I know that I see a lot more people riding now than I did a couple years agio. This is especially noticeable as winter approaches. I used to never see fellow cyclists once the snow started flying, but now I see more than a few.

Like anything else people do, bicycling waxes and wanes with being "hip" or "in" with the right crowd. Or quietly and secretly riding around and hoping nobody you know notices what you are doing because you are broke.