The author's general point is a good one. You may or may not agree with everything he says (e.g. helmets are unnecessary), but his general point is that cycling culture in the US is largely based on one aspect of cycling, namely cycling as sport rather than cycling as transportation. I think where I may disagree with the author is that he puts primary blame for this state of affairs on cyclists themselves. I think the blame, if that is the right word, should be on the the cycling industry which sees more profit in promoting the fantasy that a $3,000 bike and full team kit can transform you into Lance.