It at least exists in a form that is usable. In the US, most people do not even live within a bus line that comes < 15 min frequency during the rush hour, let alone all day, or next to a rail line or something more substantial.

If the local bus only comes four times a day I'm much less likely to use it, since missing one means I am screwed for quite a while or then have to cough up money I wasn't planning on spending on a taxi.

Is it really worse than other big cities? Does it have a proven impact on bike usage? As some anecdata, it rains twice more in New York than in Paris 1,200mm vs. 600mm/year) and on more days (121 vs. 111/yr). Amsterdam, the well known bikes-everywhere city is colder and has more rain (900mm) than Paris. Berlin is well know for both frequent rains and a large bike usage.