I ride because it is more fun and often more convenient than driving.  When I ride to work, I don't have to pay for parking or gas and there is no concern about traffic.  If I want to take the T downtown, the fastest and cheapest way to get from my house to the T-station is by bike, and I don't have to worry about parking when I get there.  When I go to the hardware store or the grocery store, it is much more fun to go by bike than by car.  I'm so happy with the saddle bag I bought for carrying groceries.  I ride my bike because it is more comfortable than getting in and out of a hot stuffy car.  I ride my bike because I feel so much better physically after the ride than after driving in a car.  And, on top of all that, I ride my bike because it creates zero pollution or noise.  But, I don't necessarily encourage my family to ride, because our streets aren't safe enough for bikes.  I want to see separated bike ways throughout the city so others can experience the freedom of biking as I do.