/\/\/\/\/\ +1. At least the rationalization part. To get others to consider riding, it is of no use to bludgon them with rationalizations, statistics, and elaborate solutions to their percieved problems. All we can do is set an example and trust that others will follow.

I think that cyclists, as well as other enthusiasts, sometimes try too hard to get people to consider cycling for exercise or transportation. We respond to rationalizations of "I would but..." with "...is how you get around that." That is not the way to do it. It only confirms their rationalization because now they know that the only around their problem is a solution they are not willing, or will not bother, to follow.

The way to deal with the "I would but..." rationalizations is to simply suggest that the problem, while real, is not the big deal they make it out to be. For instance: to the suggestion "I would but... I'm afraid I'd get killed out there." My response would be: "...well, it really isn't as bad as you think once you get on a bicycle. It always seems worse, even for me, when I just sit and think about it."