My better half didn't realize how "easy" bicycling many miles could be until we rode the Five Boro Bike Tour together. We rode ~55 miles that day. She was surprised at how easy it was! (it's a fun, very slow event mind you) I think the only way sheeple will get over the "fear" is to try riding or if somehow we get to a "tipping point" where it doesn't look like only special people like the OP (<snicker>) do it.