I don't drive often -- my sister-in-law has my car -- but when I do, I
sometimes have to participate in the New York automotive ballet known as
"alternate side of the street parking."
So here's the comparison:
Columbus Circle, Manhattan, to Carol Gardens, Brooklyn, by bicycle: 32
minutes, about 10 minutes faster than subway or car. Bike from Brooklyn to
Lower East Side, Manhattan, about 15 minutes. Locking bike up in bike
room, 1 minute.
Getting a good spot on the other side of the street in Brooklyn: 24
minutes, with the net effect of the car winding up on the exact same block
but on the other side of the street.
--ag