If you decide a bike is in your future, don't let the cycling elitist convince you that you need to spend huge money to get a decent bike.
The dark secret in cycling is that the vast majority of cycling frames are built by a few huge companies in Asia. The differences in most bike frames isn't as big as the industry would like you to believe. So, companies like Fuji or Jamis have their frames built in these huge factories, have the components installed at another factory & have the bikes boxed & shipped to their distributor networks in the West.
So, for you, the rider, the only real tangible differences are going to be what components are on what frame. The brand names - once you get above the Wal-Mart bikes - won't make a huge difference to you.
One option would be to explain your situation to a local bike shop owner... have 'em look out for a proper used bike for you.
Do your research, though. The industry is full of crooks and snake oil salesmen.