My car just spent two weeks in a body shop - correcting a bad repair done a year ago. The work was free, and the owner was worried that I would hit him for rental car fees. Hell no! What a great reason to kick off the warm weather commute season!
Gas was $3.37 a gallon when I brought it in. Gas is now $3.55 a gallon. When I got back in the car, it took me a few moments to regain my bearings. What a great feeling, to be more comfortable on a bike than in a car. Saved $40 those two weeks and rewarded myself with a super cheap Nashbar jersey and a new drivetrain for the main ride.
While I have seen more bicycles, the MUPs and streets are not overflowing with rookie commuters.
Win-win.