I don't see it that way at all. But I appreciate this perspective on it. It's thought provoking.

I see it as giving cyclists more priority on the roadway. Roads cannot be widened in the urban setting so these lanes would replace car lanes.
To my eyes, this tells people that cycling is valued and has priority.
Visually, the "world" is not all about cars and get out of the way if you're not one.

Not all roads can have buffered lanes, but that attitude shift will certainly carry over to shared traffic roads. With more cyclists, it also curbs motorists "own the road" mentality as well.

I also like the fact the cars are kept "to the center" and away from pedestrians as well.

When I see the video, the idea that a family can ride bikes- kids and all- on a busy, main street through NYC- with complete safety, it's pretty neat.
It is also attractive in that it is relatively quick and inexpensive to make these kinds of changes, where the city is re-purposing exisiting roadways with road paint and barriers.

Also, the reason there is no growth in cycling could be that there is no infrastructure that supports or encourages it. Despite that, people still do it and at least in my area, it is growing.
If buffered lanes were widespread, i know even more would use it.