I remember the dark ages of cycling in America, the fifties, when practically no adult, or anyone old enough to drive, dared be seen on a bicycle, lest he be laughed at. Eisenhower had a heart attack in 1956, and his heart doctor, Paul Dudley White, was one of those few Americans who did ride a bike. He was also an advocate for the health benefits of cycling and walking. I think that was the beginning of America's awareness of the benefits of exercise and cycling.
I got up the courage to resume cycling in the early sixties. There were some snide remarks for a few years, but by the end of the sixties cycling had become popular, so I didn't have to listen to stupid remarks any more.
So far, so good, but I don't know what tomorrow will bring.