Speaking of the military-industrial complex, I accuse another "-industrial" complex: the beauty one. For men and women. When you bike, you don't arrive at your destination well-coiffed. If there's a locker room, you may be able to groom. But these are rare for social joints like movie theaters and restaurants, and it's still considered uncouth to arrive at a party wheezing and sweating, immediately beeline to the host's shower, and emerge half an hour later in different clothes. Workplaces are better, but there's a strong taboo against being seen disheveled by the people who may give you a raise one day.

Until we change that expectation, we're going to have a hard time convincing folks to ride their bikes non-recreationally. It's a stronger influencer than we'd like to admit.