One other thing to consider: how safe is cycling in your area? In many parts of the world, lots of people cycle. Drivers are used to it. People generally accept that they will be on the road and accommodate them, if begrudgingly. However, there are some parts of the world where cycling is uncommon and drivers are less careful.

I recently moved to the Southern US. In my first month here, I saw someone from a big, lifted truck throw something at a guy cycling down on country road. It was like a scene out of a movie--I couldn't believe it. After that I noticed how few people cycle in the area compared to where I was from. I began asking around, because I was interested in taking up cycling, and it became clear to me that doing so would be putting my life at risk.