I only can say that I myself have worried about the practical vs. recreational aspect (time spent on a hobby vs. something more practical), the risks to my physical self, the costs of the equipment, and the fashion or lack thereof. Maintenance of bikes is intimidating to me too. I haven't learned it yet and I feel at a disadvantage for it. That's a hell of a lot to get over and I don't even have a child!
Interesting that you should feel guilty /wonder if cycling is a hobby /recreation /practical. Since I haven't lived in a home with a car for past few decades, I consider my bikes (yes, 4) practical for transportation purposes. I don't apologize anymore for having this number of bikes since I've cycled all of them and still all cheaper than owning and driving a car.

If cycling is good for your health, then that for certain is damn practical! I don't kid myself that bike maintenance is something I know much about nor practice it in an knowledgeable way, even though I've been shown several times. And I've been cycling regularily for past 20 yrs. I think I can intelligently look/name a troublesome bike part and intelligently ask a bike store what can be done + assess whether or not the bike mechanic fixed it properly.

I've noticed way more women cycling in Vancouver now compared to 10 yrs. ago.