I have one of the most idyllic commutes, 10 miles and almost no cars to speak of. Well, maybe double sized buses, taxis, delivery trucks and the NYC Subway. OH, and garbage trucks in 100 degree heat. They smell good. But really, I'm not in traffic most of my commute, just the last half mile or so. There are bike lanes everywhere in Manhattan and Brooklyn now and you can hop on those to get close to where you need to be. It isn't perfect but it's pretty good.