I think it's green even if you get picked up. You impressed everybody. That counts! I read in a blog somewhere that there are two kinds of evangelizing for cyclists. Those who actively are out there fighting the fight, working to make it better for the rest of us, impressing on people how important it is for our world and our nation to embrace cycling --

And those who simply ride and are visible.

I don't think you can discount the second kind. I swear, since my husband and I started riding in our neighborhood we've seen a LOT of people start riding. I think there's a lot to be said for the, "Well, if THEY can do it ... we SURELY can," attitude. <g>

As for the shaft drive thing -- it's evidently no big deal. The gears need to be greased every six months or so. He just did his and said it was easy, and so now he'll do mine.