Maybe there is nothing wrong with either that commuter, or with us.

Look, I see these comparisons all the time. There is a lot we can learn from the Dutch and the Danes, but the U.S. is a different place with different terrain, different climates, and different population densities. What works well there may never be a practical solution for most of the U.S.

I'd personally *HATE* a bike like that for my commute. I'd feel like I was pedaling a wheel barrow. I like that I can safely travel several times faster than what is probably her typical speed. I like that I end up all sweaty when I get to work. I like that I can easily hang my bike up out of the way when I get home.

Now, having said that, I see people wearing regular clothes and traveling at more moderate speeds all the time. And yes I see people with cell phones (for better or worse). Bikes like hers I don't see but it's not uncommon for me to encounter kids or even dogs in trailers. They (the trailers, not the dogs) are often enclosed which may be preferable anyway.