In my case the commute is 18 miles each way. Not the most direct route, but the safest (and fairly pleasant at that). As the crow flies, it would be closer to 10 miles. Given the distance, I only do it once or twice a week, but that gives me the flexibility to pick and choose days with good weather.

We already have the showers at the office - no problem there. I just went out and bought some decent lights, and now all I need are some clothes for colder weather and I should be all set for winter. Generally I find colder weather more comfortable for riding - much less likely to get heat exhaustion.

Regarding the question of fringe behavior, it seems to catch some people by surprise when people see me. But then again, lots of folks pay money and take time to go to the gym - I am much happier outdoors on my bicycle than I am in a gym in front of a TV. My sense is that with higher gas prices, more people are willing to at least consider it, but lots of folks have a long list of excuses that they need to work past before they will climb on a bicycle.

Yeah I agree. Here is my list of ideas for improving cycling in western cities:
- Bicycles assigned the status of roadworthy vehicle (if they aren't already).
- Free cycling education in all schools.
- Subsidised/free adult training in cycling skills.
- Cyclist awareness included in driver tests.
- Driver tests must be renewed regularly.
- Government advertising to improve public awareness of cyclists' rights.
- Bike paths alongside all trains, freeways, rivers etc.
- On-road bike lanes provided where useful.
- Take away "traffic calming" narrowings in roads.
- In residential areas, use long, wide speed humps to slow motorists.
- For some streets in busy shopping areas, exclude private motor vehicles.
- Priority traffic light sequences for cyclists.
- Improved enforcement of road rules on cyclists.
- Stiff penalties enforced for negligent/dangerous use of motor vehicles.
- Equalisation or removal of special tax treatment given for motor vehicles.
- "Vehicular cycling" educational material provided free in bike shops etc, eg: http://www.bikexprt.com/streetsmarts/usa/index.htm
- Facilities to integrate cycling and public transport, including taking bikes on trains, trams etc.
- Legal changes to put assumption of responsibility on the motor vehicle driver, in the case of a crash with a bicycle or pedestrian. I think this is already in place in the Netherlands?
- Introduce building regulations requiring offices etc to provide high-quality bicycle parking. Also lockers, change rooms, drying racks etc.
- Introduce legislation forcing businesses etc to allow cyclists to use private streets, driveways, ramps etc on which they allow motorised vehicles.