Bicycles are not an alternative for my 70 mile round-trip commute:
I rode a bicycle to work for years. The only problem being crazy drivers.
This should be an individual choice. The more folks get out of their vehicles and ride bikes, the safer and healthier we will all be. I saved lots of money not owning a vehicle and could rent one when I needed to haul stuff.
Well, I am 65 years old and the bicycle that worked just fine in 8th grade just isn't that practical any more.
Now I can afford a car, but the retired people lower on the income scale are going to really suffer.
Did you ride it 24 miles to and from work - even in harsh winter country? That would've made you even healthier.
Especially if you also lived, not only in a northern winter state, but in 4-wheel drive country. That would've really built up those leg muscles.
Good for you!
I am always amused by the angry responses from the bicycle-haters, even when you make it crystal clear you’re promoting this as an individual choice.
If Americans rode bicycles more, here would be (some of) the results.
Less obesity.
Better health in general.
Less pollution.
Reduced traffic congestion and wear and tear on the highway system.
Reduced carbon emissions. YMMV may vary on how important this one is.
Lessened reliance on imported oil and reduced income and power for those who control its supply. Most of whom are our enemies.
Considerably increased traffic injuries and fatalities. The per mile injury and fatality rate is MUCH higher for bicycles than cars, for fairly obvious reasons. In particular, mixing bicycles and cars on the same street is an excellent recipe for serious accidents.