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I think you'd be surprised, with Sheffield having such a large student population, particularly focussed in the centre, a significant proportion of the local population are perfectly capable of pootling up an incline without breaking out the lycra..
That, and don't underestimate the massive rise of electric bikes and scooters, theres going to be huge change in local transport in the next few years because of little electric motors.
Jameo-
Absolutely this!.
Having lived in hilly areas for the last twenty or so years, I'm beginning to see a real change. Years and years of the small coterie of die-hard, all weather commuters/cyclists are now being complimented by a growing group of new/returning cyclists and road users, using hitherto unavailable e-assist technology. Had this technology not come along, and it's subsequently becoming evermore affordable and available to people, I'd wholly share your sentiments (over the years, I have done) but I think you can afford a sliver of hope to shine through.
JalopyVeloist
Many advocates of cycling as an alternative method of travel that needs to become the first choice for mobility in our overcrowded spaces live in pretty flat places or have an above average fitness level compared to many of the UK's drive through specialists.
having just spent an enjoyable week in Amsterdam marvelling at the flocks of interweaving cyclists and drooling over rare bike porn chained to rusty railings i couldn't help but notice even old, unfit, drunk, mini skirt wearing, stiletto clad, post delivering, skint even one legged citizens have a sweat free and cheap time using cycles as part of their daily lives.
Anybody who lives in Sheffield which is currently in the throws of upgrading the cycling infrastructure with new lanes and cycle gates to try and get the (i'd say about 0.001% or less!) of the population to go chain driven. The problem is Sheffield is built on several hills with nearly every route requiring a granny gear, coupled with a population bio-mass and cardio thats more attack than charge , car drivers who have unlike London and other flatter hubs absolutely zero experience of living with cyclists on their commute, its not looking good.
Of course theirs electric assists but are they really the simple, healthy choice. Also if you lock one up in our city centre, good luck to it being there a few minutes later.
Im a little down about my cities prospects.