noglider 

Here's another way to look at the cost question. I lived in the NJ suburbs for 26 years. Not many people get around by bike there, though it is increasing. A large fraction of people who get around by bike there are men who appear to be Mexican and probably have low income jobs. I bet they do so out of financial necessity and don't have the money to own or run cars. Isn't that a good indicator that a bike can be a much cheaper way to get around than a car?