They're of course not the solution for every transportation need, especially if you live out in the middle of nowhere, but two things:

> If the weather is too hot, or cold, or wet, or snowy, you're out of luck.

I really don't think the weather is as much of a barrier as it's often made out to be. The Netherlands is famously windy and rainy and Oulu, Finland has snow 5 months out of the year, but nevertheless lots of people cycle in both places.

But yes, if your bike lanes and paths are unmaintained (or worse, have all the street's snow plowed into them) it won't be attractive to cycle in the winter. That's a question of infrastructure and priorities though, it's not the weather alone.

> Or, they'll help you get groceries for the whole family.

I ride an Urban Arrow Family, and it works fine for bringing home lots of groceries.