After buying a mountain bike a few months ago to ride on weekends on the local trails, I've begun riding to work. This has been suprisingly enjoyable and rewarding. There are many benefits including excercise, fuel savings, reduced emissions, etc; however, the primary benefit has been mental.
The ride provides an opportunity to experience simple things that make the day memorable such as watching the sun rise or spotting animals scurrying across the path - events we are often blind to or can't pay attention to in the automotive commute.
Also, my interactions with fellow train and bicycling commuters has been much more enjoyable than with those on the freeways. The aggravations of auto commuting have been replaced with casual conversations, card games, friendly nods, and hellos.
We'll see how long the honeymoon lasts, but for now, my car has taken the backseat. We go out on trips to pick up the kids or when it rains, but for the most part, it doesn't get out much anymore.
