living on an island where cycling is considered strictly recreational it was very difficult for me at first. I started out with everyone thinking I'm crazy, one of my bosses came up to me complaining the bike's an 'eyesore' as well. Well, I kept doing it, (initially they thought it would be a passing phase and I'll quit when bad weather starts - but I carried on coming. Month after month, when I started loosing weight, looking much healthier, more productive and more cheerfull, I was approached by another two employees who wanted to start commuting by bike, on of which is now a regular like I am. Slowly slowly the attitude started changing, my boss started to get interested - he also bought a bike (only for weekends however). I was also authorised to install a bike rack in the company's grounds - out of my pocket, but still much better than not being allowed in at all.

My suggestion is - give it time - show that cycling to work is important to you and that it makes you more productive and cheerful. Don't try to convince the people around you by explaining things - they wouldn't understand - instead - try to get them interested in what you do my showing them the end results. (For example - walk in really cheerfully on rainy days - give everybody a smile - and show you're already up and alert ready to face the day, rather than the other slobs who can't remember their drive to work. Occasionaly 'joke' about how you're saving the air for their kids...it works)

Things might slowly change - just never ever give up.

claude