I’ll tag onto this- not because I think my option is better, but because it’s a complimentary thing that hits a lot of the same points in different situations.

My bike has given me joy, fitness, new activities, and new friends. When I didn’t have a car it got me to work, gatherings, shops, etc. The enjoyment of riding got me out exploring nature around where I live. I’ve done multi-night bikepacking trips. I’ve met friends on rides. I’ve made new friends at work when we discover we both ride in sometimes. I chat to people at the bakery about their bikes.

All that, with a side effect of keeping me healthy and fit.