Though you have to dish out some dough initially, it pays off in the end. There are bike swaps and used stores if cash is a real issue. Parking is hassle-free. For security, I use a combination of a U-lock for the frame and a cable for my wheels. Although everyone I know has shared horror stories about bike accidents with me, I realized I just can't be afraid to get out on the street.
Safety is a matter of prevention.
I am both defensive and assertive on the road as a cyclist. This requires using my eyes and ears as well as keeping a good pace and taking a lane when desirable. Bike lanes are cropping up around town, which add visibility and give cyclists more rights to the road than before. Of course, the most ideal situation is more access to roads, bridges, and mass transit. I still have a lot to learn about the whole biking thing.