There's an excellent article about the culture/lackthereof in Amsterdam which can be found at this url: http://bygonebureau.com/2008/08/25/the-problem-with-bik...

The conclusion sums it up beautifully in why they bike in Amsterdam, and generally Europe.

"I didn’t fall in love with biking in Amsterdam because I was part of some movement or cause. I, and everyone I studied with, biked because it was safe, normal, and the best way to get around."

A viable solution to how we can imitate their success is also given in the article. But then I realized it's much easier to just move to the Netherlands rather than try to change the mindset of thousands of stubborn individuals.

Mark the words from my mouth: Milan will live abroad by 2010. FRESH