Well it's not for everyone.
i used to ride very little, but i found it was a more pleasurable way to get exercise and spend time with the family. Most bicycles travel an average of 75 miles in America during their whole life, basically these bikes are wall hangers.
But others see it as a sport etc. Once upon a time i rode very little, a few times a year, but sensing i needed more exercise we started to ride. Just a few miles at first, but did it frequently.
We built up last summer to 10 to 20 miles a day. Not a lot by enthusiasts standards but it makes a difference in fitness. We also started running, which is even more vigorous.
Part of the problem is getting good equipment, a good Road Bike properly fitted makes the ride fun. Seat height is major, many don't have their seat high enough, so the full power of their legs are under utilized. Your legs should be almost entirely suspended on the down stroke. Get a bike shop to fit you.
Is it worth it?
Last summer when exiting a local restaurant, i met some older men at a picnic table eating, but with very fine Road Bicycles near by. Struck up a conversation with one of them and found him to be 75 years old. Wow i am thinking he doesn't look it at all and quite strong, no fat.
So i asked him how far he rides and it was more than what i would do. He said he rides Centuries, which are 100 miles in a day and does a few of them a year.
My eyes were bugging out.
He had been riding his high end Bianchi Road Bicycle for about 40 years and thought he may just continue his pace until age 80 or so. Sure his bicycle cost more than the junk at the Big Box store, but what is your health and life worth?
My response was to look for good use Road Bicycles and repair them. Bought a good Bicycle repair manual and learned by doing. Bicycles need to be overhauled and adjusted front to back when used. Make sure all bearing are repacked with grease and the brakes/shifting adjusted.
Most anyone can do it.
Want to know more? Check out this forum and see:
Road Bike, Cycling Forums - Cycling Discussion When you start feeling better and having fun, then send me a note.
BTW, our Subway is about a 10 mile round trip, wish it was further.