I agree with almost everything said here. When I was living in San Francisco, though, my bike commute was only slightly longer than my bus commute (not because I am that fit, only because buses in San Francisco are terrible). SO MUCH less stressful! I did notice one thing, though: I wasn't reading as much or listening to podcasts as much anymore.
I live in NYC now and fortunately I'm a very short walk to work. I can't wait to buy a bike and start riding again, though I'll need to figure out how to fit one into my tiny apartment ...
Do it! I'm a NYC'er as well and getting a bike was one of the best decisions I've made recently. The city has gone wild with bike lanes, etc. and you'll be in good company.
And as for storage, a friend suggested something like this to me:
The reading and podcasts are one of the things I miss when I ride. I love the exercise, fresh air, etc., but I also like sitting and reading on the train. It's nice to be able to mix it up.
I live in NYC now and fortunately I'm a very short walk to work. I can't wait to buy a bike and start riding again, though I'll need to figure out how to fit one into my tiny apartment ...