I found this article in gizmag, it's discussing something called the Raht Racer: pronounced RAT.
Carbon fiber shell, pedal power amplification, seatbelts, airbags, headlights and brake lights. Supposedly this pedal powered vehicle can attain highway speeds. Unfortunately it seems a little pricey, between 35 and $45,000! Possibly production could bring the cost down with enough interest? Anyway it seems like a feasible piece of equipment that could possibly revolutionize pedal powered commuting.
Of course I would imagine big oil would love to make it disappear if this is truly something that would catch on in an affordable fashion.
http://www.gizmag.com/...
http://www.gizmag.com/...