This sure has been an interesting thread. After having read all the posts above, I'd say it just goes to prove that not only is everyone's commuting situation different, almost everyone has a different way of looking at their situation.

Luckily my wife has no problem with me bike commuting, so the OP's problem is (thankfully!) not mine. My car is very thrifty on gas ('06 Honda Insight), so I get 70+ mpg in the warmer months and no worse than 63 mpg during the colder months (like now). Since I commute for 15 mi. + 20 mi. on the Metro ($3.00 per day) and my Insight costs only $2.70 in gas per day, it actually costs me more to commute by bike. That's with gas @ $3.85 here in SoCal.

Unless I add in all the other costs (insurance, maintenence, etc.) which would make it (I'm guessing) even up or an advantage to the bicycle. Both the car and the bike are paid for, so no payment issues. I'm a recreational rider anyway, so I didn't have to buy much to start commuting. Well . . . except the folding bike itself (DaHon Curve 8spd). I still drive on Mondays (the least congested freeway traffic day) and bring food and clothing for the week; bring home last week's laundry.

So, overall, I like the commute for the bike ride twice a day and it's okay with me if it's a break-even or costing me slightly more to ride my bike.

Rick / OCRR