Pros:
1. I hated going to my local gym at 5:00am, coming home, shower, get dressed and into a car for a street only commute to work. Did it for years. Now I get a 45 minute bike ride twice a day, usually 4 days a week, in addition to any weekend exercise. Daily exercise without blasting music and televisions everywhere. (God, I can't believe I used to do that!)

2. Seriously... it takes me about 10-12 minutes longer to commute by bicycle than by car to work. (West LA, Hollywood traffic)

3. Talking to people more: Drivers asking for directions, other bikers saying "good morning" or at least a smile or nod. The morning and evening commutes are not a form of isolation.

4. So far, over 4,400 miles less on my car.


Cons:
1. Element of danger each morning and evening but it can be dealt with by paying attention. Relaxing rides in LA traffic just do not happen.

2. I have to be at work about 10 minutes early to get changed into regular clothes, then after punching out for the day, I'm there 10 or so minutes longer getting ready to leave. No big thing, but getting there just in time doesn't fly.

3. Lunch at my favorite work-day Sushi place is too far away for bike travel there, eat and get back in time (tried it twice). Also, without a car, inviting a coworker to lunch isn't happening anymore because decent places to lunch are driving distances from my office.

4. My car is parked on the street. When I do need to drive it to work, it's filthy from sitting for days, bird crap, pollution, water sprinklers all have done my paint no favors.


Overall: Glad I decided to take up bike commuting. It works for me about 4 days a week.