Riding your bike compared to using local public transport

Advantages
* no waiting time at stops or changes - direct and dedicated connection (see note#1)
* no idling at intermediate stops - rapid transit
* stops are at your doorsteps - no walking that slows you down
* traffic congestion is usually not a problem
* never crowded, you always have a seat
* the air conditioning is always on and works as you will
* fares are fair and mostly constant - doing some inexpensive maintenance once in a few months or twice a year
* about the same journey time overall as on bus or tram - some routes are even faster
* exercise is good for you
* lower top speed - safer

Drawbacks
* you can't read a newspaper and such (except at traffic lights)
* in very bad wet weather you may have a hard time without full fairing
* bikes must face inferior road conditions on the side of the road and on unmaintained bike paths
* more traffic light waiting time on many routes
* lower top speed

Note #1: You may combine bicycle commuting with public transport if you have a portable bike. This solution ends up being the fastest in most cases, though it's also a bit more expensive and less reliable than either one alone.

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