Jake, point taken regarding the value of working with lawmakers, developing policy, building relationships with local government, and such. This is important work that needs to be done,to insure legal parity,build and improve facilities, and develop a cycling community that is a respected part of the larger community we live in.
One thing I learned when I was on the steering committee here in Portland for Bikesummer 2002 was the importance of fun. Holding events such as bike polo, camping by bike, womens specific events, hash rides, pub crawls, donut rides, etc connect people who otherwise might not ride for transportation. Once those connections are made, community builds and, drawn by fun and social connection ( which is sadly lacking in our auto based world) these same cyclists begin advocating for safe facilities to ride on, and the cycling community in times becomes more polically important, and their voices are heard.
Critical Mass is a heated topic. Since the rides are independent of others, each ride has its own flavor. I have never witnessed cars/SUVs being overturned. I have witnessed confrontational behavior by all parties, polce,motorists and cyclists. I do have to note since 'critical mass' has been achieved here in Portland, CM rides are either not happening,or are so small they get lost in the daily bustle of bike traffic,no one notices them anymore. Perhaps CM is strident and confrontational in somep places. Does that mean that cyclists are not getting their right to safe access to the commons, ie public roadways, met? In time, CM became so confrontational with the City Police, and cost the City so much in overtime and disruption, it became expedient to establish communications between the factions, and some of the demanded changes occured. At the same time, there was an ongoing investment in facilities improvements for cycling. But I maintain that even if the City had built all these new facilities, without the social connection of cyclists ( of which CM was certainly a part), we would not witness the widespread embarace of transportation cycing .

In short, a successful cycling communithy requires infrastructure and community. And folks working towards both ends. My initial query was whether WNBR is successful in getting their message tout. Apparently, not so well. a local PR guy noted koifishcommunications.com/blog/...00855/

I feel that each town and city gets the facilities,respect and the community they demand . Cars are the biggest 'user group' for our roadways. And our biggest threat. Most cyclists also drive. Life almost requires that, the way our cities are structured, with sprawling urban cores, and total reliance on the freeway to move people. Cycling will be part of that change, but will require decades of work. You noted successes of the early 70's,but since then, the statistics show much more growth in auto use than in cycling. We are stll a voice in the wilderness.

And if getting nekkid in public would change that, I probably would get nekked.

i don't like critical mass either, for similar reasons.