In some places, "car free" is easy, in others, weather, traffic, time, take their toll on riding. I believe walking or riding requires a "gut level" commitment, I find it easy to hop in the car for errands, work etc, but I decided 50 years ago that I could easily "schedule" commuting into my work time.
I have been fortunate to wear a uniform all of my work life, so the inclement weather, dust, sweat has not been a factor unlike those who lives are in an office. I used my own mantra, " just do it", and knew when to leave to arrive timely and stuck to it. I am now reaping the $$ and the health benefits of a commuting life style. I have to agree with Tom, "difficult or ill-advised" is real, we just have to focus and ride when we can,
Rod