In Australia there are places ideal for cycling schemes. Neighbourhoods and smaller cities, especially if universities contribute significantly to the populatio

In Australia there are places ideal for cycling schemes. Neighbourhoods and smaller cities, especially if universities contribute significantly to the population are decent cycling areas. Even big cities like Melbourne have some great bike routes going mostly through green belts. You can get from the 10-20km radius of the centre to ~2-5 from the centre ("inner suburbs like Richmond or Brunswick or Fitzroy, in Melbourne parlance where many people work fairly safely and pleasantly very often. Many Ozzies cycle recreationally. Helmet laws are definitely a major impediment to cycling as transport. Distances, and infrastructure issues are an impediment too. It's not Amsterdam where most journeys are <5km on flat roads on cycle lanes, but it could work for more people than it does work for.