Craigslist or Marketplace. Get a 90s mountain bike in your size. Start riding. Join a cycling club/social group. People are always changing bikes, and would be happy to let an older one go for a decent price.

It CAN be an expensive hobby, but it doesn’t have to be. I’ve been riding my $200 Craigslist special for about 1200km this year and I haven’t spent a penny on it.

Bike co-ops exist too! Check your area

Find a used single speed, they need minimal maintenance and have fewer moving parts.

Used bikes on Craigslist, get a chromoly 3x7 from a reputable brand. They are super cheap, reliable, and versatile. My main commuter is just an old Trek 820 MTB with some minor upgrades I've made over the years.

Nobody who reads Vice has this problem.