The Boston Biker just posted a really awesome video that highlights efforts made in The Netherlands to make it so 27% of all trips in that country are by bicycle.
One key focus of the 14 minute video... bikes are cheaper than cars. They're cheaper to purchase, to maintain, and (because of urbanization) they can be supported with cheaper infrastructure. Within cities, biking three miles (or less) is almost always a faster option than going by car or public transit. Being able to eschew paying for parking or waiting endlessly at the bus stop/train station is a significant benefit. Outside cities, biking provides a significant health benefit.
The video also touches on rigorous separation (including tunneled paths under roadways) between cares, bikes, and pedestrians in areas of "high speed". This ensures the safety of the overall system. Meanwhile, slower, narrower throughways where travel hums along closer to 20mph lends itself to have cars, bikes, and pedestrians integrated with more overt communication and fewer traffic barriers.
Lastly... around the 9 minute and 12 second mark they show a really awesome system for wheeling bikes up-and-down stairs. If nothing else, watch this little part and be amazed.
Editor's Notes: I noticed that they didn't show was any clips of bicycling with precipitation, which is a real concern in the Boston area throughout May-June. This factor was a major influence for a pair of purchases I made last week which added fenders to my bike and a water-proof jacket to me. After the morning shower on Tuesday, I'm quite happy with how things went during my trip from West Watertown to East Cambridge.
