• it is convenient. i usually get to my destination quicker (in urban areas this is almost always true) and i feel more self reliant.
• it gets me outdoors, in the sunshine and fresh air.
• i exercise without meaning to. whenever the question of exercise pops up i think "no way, i hate exercise, i never do it" but then i realise i ride at least 5kms per day. it makes me feel more healthy and it is the only exercise i've really enjoyed!
• it is colourful, bright, goes with my clothes and i smile when i see it. and sometimes people yell nice things at me when i ride.
• i ride for pleasure and for practicality.
• it is virtually costless. once i calculate my cost per ride (initial cost of bike divided by amount of times ridden) i think it would work out to be less than a dollar a ride and is constantly reducing. i don't like to emphasise the car/bike comparison (because i do also enjoy driving from time to time but i don't own a car.), but economically no money is spent on petrol, registration, tune-ups, parking tickets, etc. i keep my bike in good shape so it rarely costs me a cent.
• it is my way of having some alone time, breathing fresh air, taking in sights and scents and scenery before starting a shift or going to a class. it has been proven to relieve stress. it makes me calmer. my commute is the best part of my day (do people who drive ever get to say that?).
• it is something to enjoy alone or with company.
• bicycling is a great means to see the world. i get to see things i wouldn't see otherwise. you can explore without hours spent walking or and you see things you wouldn't via car.
• the indescribable sensations of riding - the movement, the ease, the control, the freedom.
• my bike inadvertently stops me from spending too much money. i can only buy as many groceries as will fit in my basket.
• it is rarely a chore and i always feel like riding. if someone were to take away my bike it wouldn't feel right not riding daily.
• it is an ecologically positive means of transport. no exhaust, oil or gas + very little harm to the environment.
• helen hayes, the much beloved "first lady of american theatre" who died at the age of 92 was asked in an interview if she regretted anything. she said she had only one regret. "i never rode a bicycle. i wish i had. that's all."

there are also things i don't like about riding, e.g. impolite motorists, injuries, big hills, riding in wet weather, having to cater my outfit/hairstyle to my bike, feeling sweaty and hot - but obviously the pros easily outnumber these.