What a very cool story!
I doubt that I've ever inspired random people I pass to commute by bike, but I think our bike commuting is well known and visible to all our neighbours. I've often wondered what it will take to get someone to commute by bike, and I agree that having the right facilities is a big point. An avid biker from before might choose to commute without a shower for instance, but someone debating whether to try it for the first time would probably find having the possibility of a shower waiting a real plus.
Winter riding is much less about badassery and much more about bundle-uppery. - malkin
1995 Kona Cinder Cone commuterFrankenbike/Selle Italia SLR Lady Gel Flow
2008 white Nakamura Summit Custom mtb/Terry Falcon X
2000 Schwinn Fastback Comp road bike/Specialized Jett