I'm sure the big obstacle for people not riding bikes down town is they can't afford a $78 bike from walmart.

*I meant to say earlier "leaving the car at home for short trips is worth it."
I think the biggest obstacle is the social "uncool" biker status and second the lack of safety.... but if there were lots of bikers, it would be more acceptable and a feeling of herd security may be given.

I'm pretty sure the main obstacle to cycling in Vancouver is that it rains for literally 8 months out of the year here. One of the many reasons I take public transit to my job in DT rather than cycle, even though I am a 15-20 minute drive away.

Say all you want about "social perception" or cost, but let's face it... the majority of people who have to look put together for work are not likely to choose a commute method that will get them very wet and very dirty very fast, or alternatively, force them to change their entire outfit (for girls, makeup too, guys.. hair stuff?) when they get to work when they could take transit and avoid all of that BS instead.