To inspire new cyclists, go on a very short ride with them - say, 1 or 2 miles to a restaurant, coffee or ice cream shop. Go slowly, and take your time enjoying the stop.

Then encourage them to do it themselves, or with others, a few more times.

After they get some confidence, increase the distance to a different destination. Do that a couple of times.

Choose pleasant, low-traffic roads or low-traffic times so as to not spoil the first experiences.

After a while they will start cycling by themselves on 2-5 mile round trip rides. Then buy and install an inexpensive computer/odometer on their bikes and show them how to track their mileage. Typically, if they enjoy cycling they will react with pride at the miles they are accumulating, and may start challenging themselves.

Never pressure them to travel long distances. Rather, use invitations like, "Wouldn't it be fun to go ride to SuchAndSuch park?"

-Steve