This is why I don't get why adults play Pokémon. Even as a young child playing the original Pokémon, without any guides or any other resources, I was able to trivially make a party where I didn't have to think. I just spam one move and win. I know you can optimize the hell out of the games, but there's zero need to outside multiplayer. I thought the games were really fun as a child, partially because of a lack of options and partially because it's made for children. I know people in their 30s who still play them when they release though. It's so confusing to me.

You get the bike after reaching Vermillion in gen 1,but you had to center the start menu any time you wanted to use it. In gen 2 you got it in Goldenrod. I don't remember if you had to beat Whitney first or not.

Can you use the bicycle anywhere or only on bike hwy?

Gen 2 doesn't have running, but it did indeed have a bike. Goldenrod City (the city with the 3rd gym badge) has a bike shop off the beaten path where the owner lends you a bike to advertise for his shop then calls you after you ride it enough to say you can keep it. The shop is on the east side of the city behind the department store.