I live right off Rt 7 so I take that for about 6 miles then take the Oneonta Streets to the clinic I work at. The ride is nice. No big hills just some moderate climbs. Good shoulder for the most part.
I started biking to work about 2 years ago. I made it through most of the year but last winter had a long stretch of riding my trainer in the basement due to weather. I have found below 15 degrees can be difficult about mile 5 for my toes and fingers. This year I have every intention off beating the cold and biking through those months!!!
Why bicycle?.... Sun on your face, muck up your back, fresh air, hard pounding hills, deer at the side of the road at 6 am, peacefull, time for me, relax, thought provoking, thought eliminating, funny looks at the intersection, energizing, freedom, I can do it, Endorphins, pulse of 50, health, spiritual wealth, financial wealth (did you see the price of gas?) down hills in the drops, up hill spinning, sweat, hot showers, cool rain, tail wind, awesome trek, evening peddles in the moonlight, dodging traffic, and again Endorphins