I think about this pretty regularly. I live 1.8 miles from work, 1.6 miles from an Amtrak station, .6 miles from groceries, 1.4 - 1.7 miles from my favorite watering holes. It never snows here, but the rain and heat can be vicious. Work has a small protected bike rack, and a distinct lack of car parking. I have the option to telecommute some days. There is no bike shop here, or within reasonable riding distance, which is my biggest concern. Car costs are around $450/mo for me, so I'm feeling like killing that expense would be wise, especially with everything so close.


I'm weak, I know it. I have two weaknesses:

1. I'm prone to poor scheduling in the morning, so I'm always running slightly late when going by car. Switching to a bike when I'm already late seems wrong.
2. I love cars. I love trucks too. I love little ones, and big ones. I love the quirky Land Rovers and the cheeky Miatas; the absurd Hummers and the plucky Samurais; the refined C-Class and the noisy old 300TD wagons. I can't help it.

Yeah. I'm weak. I own that. The only other thing is a habit for visiting a friend who lives several miles down a notoriously dangerous two-lane late at night. I simply can not find a bike friendly alternate route for this narrow, shoulderless, curvy, bit of asphalt.