Generaly I don't try to talk anyone into my lifestyles but this is kind of a different situation than usual.

I don't commute, because I am self employed,(but I always take a bike on work related trips to major citys). So I really don't know the ins or outs of daily commuting other than what I have learned from these forums(spare clothes, hygene, ect).

I have a good friend who has recently taken a cut to half salary at his job due to the state of the economy. He is struggling to avoid losing his home, trying to cut back on a lot of things.
He lives four miles from his job, in Springfield MO. He drives a 64 Monza that is going to need some transmision work soon. I suggested that since that car is going to be a money pit with repairs(other than things like gas and insurance) he let the insurance lapse and start riding to work. He has a station wagon for his wife and kids.
The exuses began...
"they won't like it if I show up sweaty". My response was fairly profane, based on the half salary thing and the fact that he heads the division he works at, if they can't understand a little brow sweat then they suck.
"I have to cross a major street". Daunting for a beginer, but I told him about the magic of stoplights and sideroads.
"it will take too much time". I beat him there on my bike. there and back(though I am in decent condition and more aggressive a rider than him). He might have caught some lights wrong, but still.
There were more, including not having a good bike. Told him that he could have the pick of any bike that I own, some of which it would suck to give up but he is a friend, or I would build him several custom commuters out of my stash of bikes and parts. I own enough helmets and lights that it would be low to no investment for him.

It is really up to him, and the savings would be a drop in the bucket, but this is all that I can do for a lifelong friend. I also offered to help put new hydrolics in his trans if thats what he really wants.(offering labor, not parts.)

any thoughts on how to convince without being a pushy jerk, insights on money savings, ect? He understands my motives are not some charity thing with all the free stuff, and is closer to accepting the idea than ever, I suggested once of twice a week to start.