Check out the winter cycling forum. There was a poster there recently from Denmark (if I remember right) asking for tips or ideas to help them deal with the unusually cold weather (for them). He was looking for things like heated seats and handlebars. Sounded like it's been a real struggle for those used to getting around on two wheels in a moderate climate. Pretty much the only he advice he got was "Dress warmer".

On the one hand I was thinking the same thing. Folks in the Winter Cycling form often ride in much worse conditions and we just deal with it with clothing. On the other hand, maybe there are some more creative ways to make cold weather cycling less daunting to the masses and we need to think outside the box a little more.

In any case, I think you're being a little tough on us North Americans. The people in Europe cycle under those conditions because that's how they are used to getting around. They have the infrastructure, the (normally) moderate climate, the relatively short commute distances, and a culture that supports them. It's certainly something we can aspire to.

In the meantime, there are those North Americans who ride year round under worse conditions, for longer distances on streets that cater to motor vehicles first and bikes second, if bikes are considered at all. Though the MUPs and bikeways are plowed in Minneapolis, the bike lanes in many instances just serve as places to put the snow.