To save money and time.
How did I started?
I had been cycling from Clementi to NUS for a few weeks in 1995. One day, I needed to go to Tanjong Pagar. However, I couldn't find a place near the MRT station that I felt was good and safe (from theft) to park the bike. Also out of curiousity, I decided to ride straight down to Tanjong Pagar. That trip took me 45 minutes, which I find is not too bad since I wasn't familiar of the route, and on a 24" MTB bike.
I don't compare this 45 minutes bicycle riding with 17 minutes by MRT from Clementi to Tanjong Pagar. I would consider the whole trip from when I step out of my door until I step into the destination. For bicycle, there would typically be an additional 5 minutes overhead. For public transport, this overhead includes waiting time and more walking times, which could typically be as long as 10 to 25 minutes.
I was surprised that riding bicycle isn't that slow. In fact, the trip took about only 35 minutes on a 26" hybrid bike and after being more familiar with the route. This second bike for commuting stays with me until now, although, except the seat post and frame, all other parts have been replaced.
Where have I been cycling to work?
