For every person who claims to cycle year round in a snowy city there are 50 who have a need to transport (at various times and schedules) two kids, groceries, and a suit to put on once he/she gets to work. There's also another 50 who live too far from destination and/or too infirm.  Cycling is no more a solution to urban transportation in northern, wintry climates than are rickshaws.