Come on, who could possibly do a drive-by on a bicycle?

I think there is some truth to the diversity argument, but it isn't the biggest hurdle L.A. faces. Historically non-whites have been denied property in wealthier, white neighborhoods, and they have used fancy autos as a status symbol. This has stuck culturally despite repeal of racist housing segregation. Today, the poor (and because race is tied to class, non-whites--especially blacks, hispanics and native americans) disproportionately suffer from the effects of air pollution, since housing prices are lower near highways. Perhaps L.A. planners could use this as propaganda for cycling. However, I think sprawl and general car culture (across all races) are the greater challenges. It's really a shame-- it would be much easier to cycle year round in their climate!

Let's not get too uppity, Portland. Last night, walking to the grocery store in rush hour, I witnessed streams of cars, few with multiple passengers, and the occassional cyclist in my SE Brooklyn neighborhood. This city is still disgustingly full of cars.