Nope, I don't buy your argument. Bike maintenance is quite low, especially if you learn a few basics of mechanics and buy a few tools--allen wrenches and a couple of regular wrenches 10-12mm or so. Tubes cost about $3-5, and if you keep your tire pressure up you're less likely to get a flat. I dare not say how long I've gone without a flat for fear of jinx, but it's been a while.

You can cycle in any clothes. Helmet costs $35-$100 depending on style, but they all have to meet the same crash standards. If you want to spend $100 on shorts, you can, but you don't have to. I have 3 pairs of cycling shorts and 2 longsleeve jerseys and 2 shortsleeve jerseys. I have one pair of tights and one pair of wind pants for winter. I get them on sale only. You don't need a whole new wardrobe every year.

gloves you can get for $20 or less. Shoes depends on what you like. I have a pair of Shimano shoes that I've had for 10 years. The were $40 when I bought them 10 years ago. That's not much.

The previous poster compared his costs for commuting by Metro/car and by bike. He did not add the cost of actually buying his car, insurance, gas, depreciation, etc. to the car equation but he did add the cost of buying the bike to the bike side of the equation.

The difference is huge no matter how you look at it. You can choose to spend alot on a bike and accroutrements. You have no choice on how much you pay to operate a car, even an old car. A gallon of gas is the same no matter what you drive. It's $0 if you ride a bike.