General questions/observations/discussion

i always feel a bit weird when talking to a new cyclist and recommending cycle training to them, like i'm being patronising or something, but all the people i have recommended it to so far have been really positive about it.

I think you just have to keep trying; some will go for it, some won't but those who do will be glad they did.
What sometimes works for me is asking if they have ever fancied taking a ride on the wild side, baby. Usually I have about four seconds before the first punch lands to throw a handful of CTUK flyers at them.