For me, there's some sort of qualitative difference in a bike ride that goes over something like 10 miles, so I can see why it isn't a first thought for a 23 mile trip.
Getting to and from his factory job 23 miles away in Rochester Hills, he'll take a bus partway there and partway home. And he'll also walk an astounding 21 miles
He walks about 3.5 miles, takes a bus to the edge of its service area, and then walks another 7 miles to the job.
I bike to and back from work daily 14 mile round trip using a cheap 2nd hand city bicycle. Snow and cold only makes it more fun.
Of course, I am lucky that I am doing it by a choice and could take the bus or drive my car.