At its basic level, isn't the point of commuting by bicycle getting to work? The European or Asian model of bicycle commuting appears to be riding in your street clothes and then not having to shower on arrival or changing into a second set of clothing. It's transportation first, exercise incidentally.

If the bicycle is loaded up with unnecessary weight in the name of having a workout, then it's necessary to wear bicycle clothing and shower at work.

If bicycle commuting was perceived as being as simple as substituting the bicycle for the car instead of involving special gear and complex showering rituals, would it be more popular?