"Which pretty much means the way get people riding bikes is give them one, for free."
Indeed.
Maybe this needs a new thread...
I have lent/given lots of people bikes over the years. Even to people who 'have never ridden a bike' - in truth not for 10, 20 or more years.
Some are still cycling years later. Some give up when their (my) bike gets knicked - well I'm not going to give them another one.
I failed with one guy. Bikes were just so beneath him.
I saw him a few years later on something really fancy. He'd turned into the ultimate touring convert/bore.
Clearly nothing to do with me.
One 'success' gave up cycling as transport when she got doored in George Street. Now it's just irregular trips on the NEPN. Same bike.
So it's definately about 'access' to a bike, somewhere to try it (even the grass in The Meadows has been enough to give some people confidence).
Some people fear spending 'a lot' of money in a bike shop - and then finding that 'cycling' or that particular bike is not for them.
Some seek out the cheapest 'just in case' and end up disappointed.
If you lend/give someone a bike, it's best if it's something you would ride (maybe not the particular size/style) or honestly say 'this is junk, but it'll give you an introduction'.
If you take someone on a ride remember that they are not as experienced as you and even if 'fit' have maybe developed different muscles.
I remember someone who took his fairly new girlfriend exploring The Pentlands.
They did get married but I don't think she's been on a bike since that day.
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