I'm not against your petition, I just don't think it stands a snowballs chance.
Most people buy bikes like they do new years eve resolutions, that's why there are so many crap bikes out there now, you don't want something that will go 55mph built cheaply.So building, say a $1000 velo cheaply, a few would be bought, a few would be in wrecks, most would sit in a garage/storage unit.Trikes are half again as wide as a bike, riding the shoulder isn't an option in MANY places.US roads are set up for cars/trucks.People are not going to change until gas is up over $5 a gal, then most will find some other "no effort" form of transport, at least in the US, most have been brainwashed into the buying the most perceived comfort, least perceived effort.You can MAYBE build a two wheeled velo for $800-$900 if you did a coroplast or foam body, but no way a decent fiberglassed one.Dig this site, this is the most economical LWB you can DIY-https://sites.google.com/site/recycledrecumbents/home, and your bottom line is still $400.Good luck on the venture, but don't get your hopes up.Here's a pic of my semi-velo, here's a rough rundown:
Bike-$360 (craigslist steal, it's a $1500 bike)
Fairing-$250 (the cheapest one you can buy)
Wood fenders-$250 (not necessary, but very sexy)
Motor kit-$650
That's $1510 cheaping out wherever I could.A trike would add $1000.Just saying.If you get any action please post it here, like I said I'd be all over it.