Hey there Trek
I was about to post something similar... the more people see something as "part of landscape" the more normalised and acceptable it becomes...

I think with the oil scares, and petrol price hikes people are more more aware - but there is also a steady roll of changes in habit around recycling and prioritising of thinking about sustainable practices. Hand in hand with sedentary lifestyles (comparitively) and weight and fitness related health issues... I cautiously think cycling is making a come-back - not just for a fasion "cycle"...

I'm hopeful it won't be a fad or a passing fasion... changes at work make me think this - our institute have committed a large ammount of money to developing cycle parks and lockups and more showers on campus. Once they are there, people should keep using them...

Lets think positive... and yeah, like Trek says... lets encourage, support and praise those who have a go, welcome them into our bike communities and help them want to stay...