Timewise also. Consider searching for a parking spot continuously, having to drive somewhere to refuel the car, maintenance and cleanup… and cars require parking spots which are huge, increasing travel times even more.

You can fit 4 to 6 bikes in a parking spot. Much more efficient and it also frees up extra space for housing and living. Moneywise the bicycle also is much cheaper, yet with a much nicer quality.

My bicycle cost €50 and cost me €20 in maintenance over the past two years. I can park everywhere and anywhere. From destination to destination. I can carry everything that the average car user carries as well. Just put it in a bag on the bike rack and done. I don’t need to worry about fatal danger because bicycle pathes here don’t intersect with car ones, and people drive calmer. I can travel with any weather; I have a breathing rain jacket and that’s it. I’ve biked in snow, on hills, in humid heat, and it’s all doable. Plus it makes me healthier and look nicer. Car owners are pretty weak by comparison, they don’t exercise as much.

Most Americans commute 30 min, around 40 km. This is comparable to our commutes. The same distance can be covered quickier with widespread public transit. If China and the EU can do it, the US, self-proclaimed “richest and best” country can do so too.

A car is 100-1,000 times more expensive and the maintenance is likewise far more. Even a speed pedelec, which can travel 45 km/hr, is cheaper than a car and has lower maintenance – and actually can bring you to the spot directly.

Bike to public transit stop, hop and travel, walk to work/take bike from commuter sharing system, get to work. Done.

No maintenance problems and little cost, no traffic fines, you get healthier, and so on. The bicycle is the ultimate freedom.