If I was going to choose between the multiple choice above the closest option would be the last, however it was not really a decision, nor was it fantastic; it just was.

Understand that I was born into a culture where and when it was just the thing one did without thinking about it or rationalizing -- like walking or eating.

You had a place you needed to go -- to work or up to the shops -- and you went out and climbed on your bike. Everyone did it. There weren't many cars (perhaps 3 in my whole extended family for instance) and they were used for special occasions. Otherwise, everyone rode their bikes to work -- which might have been to labour on the production line at one of several bicycle factories in my home town.

This was only 40-odd years ago, in the UKs Midlands (which have since, like NA, been overrun by car culture).

When I moved to Canada, I just continued with my preference for two-wheel, human-powered transportation. It is only lately that I have become an advocate rather than just an enthusiast.

Reminds me of a Zen koan that I'll modify for the sake of this thread:

Before realization, ride a bike; after realization, ride a bike.