The public image of cycling and cyclists

"Money can't buy you love, but it is more comfortable to do you crying sitting in a Mercedes than on a bicycle." -- anonymous "witty" card writer, expressing a widely held sentiment as his sort is won't to do.

Andre Jute
On the other hand, when a decent bike costs as much as a nice pre-loved Mercedes, why should anyone except a masochist or an environmental lemming choose the bicycle?