You know, back in the early 80's, I was stationed at Norfolk Naval base, and the traffic getting into the base was pretty jammed every morning. So, I thought that since I only lived around 4 miles from the base (easy bike ride), I'd start riding. One of the biggest benefits that I noticed was that my neighbors were leaving at 5:30 to be to work by 7:30 because of all the traffic. Me? I didn't leave until around 6:45 or 7:00, and I made it to work on time.
Then, a few years later, I decided to start riding a bicycle everywhere I went. I bought a 300 dollar Univega Aeropace SIS, and started riding 7 miles each way to work. Well, that bike led to me trading it in on a better model, until I finally ended up riding the bike I currently have, a Lemond Zurich, with Campagnolo Chorus ergo power gruppo, Mavic Cosmic aero rims, Selle Italia titanium saddle, and Modolo ergo handlebars, with a Cateye computer with cadence.
I've probably ridden more miles on a bike than most people have put on their cars. After I got to the point where I was ranked 20th in the city of Memphis for amateur racers, I decided to see if I could ride my bike to my next duty station, which was Jacksonville FL. Went from Memphis to Jacksonville in 7 days. And, my commute was around 12 miles each way while stationed there.
Then, I when I transferred from Jacksonville FL to Newport RI, it was in the middle of winter, so I bought a cheap car, drove to Newport, sold the car and started riding bikes again. But, because I wanted to be able to say that I had rode to my next duty station, I rented a car in the summer of '94, drove to Jacksonville, left the rental there, and rode a bike from Jacksonville FL to Newport RI. Took me 12 days. And, when I left Newport for Norfolk VA, I rode a bike again, and did that trip in 5 days. My commute in Newport was only 4 miles from my house to work, but I'd throw in an extra 10 mile loop when I went home. When I left Norfolk, I bought a car and a motorcycle, because I was being stationed in Amarillo, which had pretty crappy public trans, but I would still ride a bike to stay in shape.
Sorry, but I'm one of those people that conservatives on this board call a "looney liberal", and yes, I utilize both public transportation and ride a bicycle when I can. And, at almost 55, I'm still capable of cruising at 17 to 20 mph.