I commute because the 240sx i dumped $5k into doesn't even work, and because it's fun of course.

Cycling has been part of my life for almost 50 years, I grew up when it was normal for kids older than 6 or 7 to ride around the neighborhood unaccompanied by adults. Riding to high school and commuting to jobs later on was just a natural outgrowth of that. Besides, it's fun and good for all the other reasons listed in the poll.

Initially (in 2000), I had a beat-up '89 Civic that needed to be on the road less because I didn't want to replace it. I was also kind of a chunk (expected of a sysadmin, I know, but still not healthy). So I bought a bike and started riding to work. I replaced the car (with a '00 Tacoma) a few months later anyway, but it would sit for weeks at a time as the addiction had already started. Pretty soon, I was going most everywhere by bike (dates, jobs, church, everything but Home Depot). FF to 2007 and my new wife and I decided to sell the truck after a trip to Europe. I also don't like paying for gas/insurance/maintenance/parking/etc., it's a heck of a lot of fun, and cycling is only slightly slower than the train (but probably faster than the bus).

But the original reason was to spare the Civic and lose some weight.

I commute by bike because I enjoy riding my bike. It's fun and it brightens my mood. Good exercise too. I also see stuff that I would miss in a car. Plus, it makes me feel self-sufficient, which I like. Makes me feel like a kid again too, which I also like.

I could get to the office on my schedule (vs. the bus) and didn't have to pay for parking (downtown).

to get to the other side

I started riding to improve my cardio health. I started riding to work just to see if I could do it (rush hour and all). Plus, I never was able to accept the going rate for cars, car insurance, tags, etc.

Imagine this same poll for motorists. I don't think there would be quite so many love stories.

If I was going to choose between the multiple choice above the closest option would be the last, however it was not really a decision, nor was it fantastic; it just was.

Understand that I was born into a culture where and when it was just the thing one did without thinking about it or rationalizing -- like walking or eating.

You had a place you needed to go -- to work or up to the shops -- and you went out and climbed on your bike. Everyone did it. There weren't many cars (perhaps 3 in my whole extended family for instance) and they were used for special occasions. Otherwise, everyone rode their bikes to work -- which might have been to labour on the production line at one of several bicycle factories in my home town.

This was only 40-odd years ago, in the UKs Midlands (which have since, like NA, been overrun by car culture).

When I moved to Canada, I just continued with my preference for two-wheel, human-powered transportation. It is only lately that I have become an advocate rather than just an enthusiast.

Reminds me of a Zen koan that I'll modify for the sake of this thread:

Before realization, ride a bike; after realization, ride a bike.

I enjoy riding my bike to work. Its 2.5 miles there so no need for a car. It would be faster in a car.

I almost wished your post had the Indian with the tear rolling down his check in the background. Al Gore would so proud.