have you changed your life for cycling?

[Eden]

You haven't mentioned what city, so this may not be that much of a possiblity for you, but learn to embrace traffic - at least until you can get out of it. Around here in Seattle I guess we get the best of both worlds. I live within walking distance of downtown and even closer to other restaurant/shop areas, but I can still hop on my bike and within 1/2 hour be out of the city on on what are basically country roads. There are plenty of full days rides right out my door. I've also lived in Pittsburgh and a few blocks out of downtown Rochester NY and never ever found a lack of places to go on my bike.

Rather than give up on the city explore it. Even cities have their less traveled routes. Find bike paths, bike lanes and parks. Explore the neighborhoods and find all the quaint little cafes and quirky coffee houses. Go sight seeing in the neighborhoods full of big old houses. Explore! There is plenty to see and do on a bike in the city.

I'm a little biased I grew up in a city and live in one now. I love my walkable, bikeable lifestyle so I would likely never even think about moving country and would be even less likely to move to the burbs, but really I think that both city life and bike can co-exist. It seems like in the end you would end up spending more time in the car for the general doings of everyday life if you didn't live in the city?