Re:
Is it down to lack of time or interest? Distance to travel to get to events? Is it the slow decline of a particular generation? Aside of the big international events, has the media lost interest? Is the media more concerned in perpetuating the negativity to which cyclists are subject to? Aside of the continued 'niche' successes of Team GB riders, was the London 2012 boom and Tour de France depart in Britain the top of the peak?
For me, I'm stuck in a joyless routine of commuting and getting commitments dealt with. I virtually live on my bike but there's no recreational or competition riding involved. I'd love to participate in some group rides and get to some meets and festival events and races but it's having the time and the ability to get to them, plus domestic commitments too.
Living in London, there's many cyclists on the road. It's a mixed bag but it's mostly people on road bikes, fixies and SS. There are mountain bikes in there but modern day. I'm glad to say I'm seeing more and more women getting into riding and I'm seeing less of the MAMILS around. There's still an annoying number of Rapha clad alpha males cutting everyone up though. Think the MAMILS just weekend ride out of town now. There's also people who aren't cyclists who are using bikes to get around (including Boris bikes) and they have no idea how to ride or behave on the roads :x
Round my local way, one up market roadie shop "Le Peleton" has closed down. There's fierce opposition to proposed new cycle routes too. The LBS "Bike Boutique" concentrates on repairs and has a sideline business as a cafe, often turning up at local food markets and festivals running a coffee stall. Diversification in order to survive.
On my way home through London last Friday night, I chanced upon the gathering of Critical Mass at Southbank, ready for their demo outside Fabric, the nightclub that's been closed down because it's keeping the new neighbours awake. It was a great scene to behold at dusk on the cultural side of the Thames riverside: skaters, fixies, roadies, road warriors, couriers, mountain bikers, retro bikers, beat box sound systems, everbody – the spirit was well and truly alive. Kind of reminded me of the days of Carter USM.