It makes a lot of sense to have separate bike facilities, especially for children. In Davis our system of bike paths is very safe and people are confident to let their children ride to school. The school bus system has been obsoleted, which is much better for the environment. Children are not equipped to ride on the street with traffic.
So while I personally ride a bit like a VC, I see a place for separate cycling facilities, and I think they are worth the money. I would use the paths myself, but I ride faster on the street because no-one is in the way.