When I lived in North Hollywood, CA, I worked as a messenger in the Beverly Hills/Century City area. I used to take the subway (yep, they have one) from my house to Hollywood and then ride into Bev. Hills. The subway only spared me five miles or so, but saved me from climbing up and over Cahuenga Pass, a lengthy hill with crappy pavement and heavy traffic. An average day of work consisted of 50 miles or so, and then I'd ride back to Hollywood in the evening, via subway. Total miles each day was 75 or so. In the summer.
Then the MTA (public transport system) went on strike.
So there was no choice but ride it...every day. Back and forth. 30 miles round trip, 50 miles of courier work and Cahuenga Pass hill included. That sucked, and remains a huge reason why I hope to never live there again. L.A.'s too spread out for my liking.
Now I commute daily about twenty steps...to my garage.