I'd advise taking an honest try with a bicycle. Sometimes you can find back ways and short cuts that aren't immediately obvious. But of course there are times and places bikes just won't work. I once bicycled to work with an easy commute, but lived where the last 100 yards to my apartment were hair-raising...
Using a bicycle on the way back home can also have the advantage of soothing your nerves from a frustrating day at work. This factor should not be under-appreciated.
As to motorcycles you can hardly go wrong with an older 250 Ninja, to start. The dual-sports are worth looking at too although they seem to hold their price even when they get old; you probably won't find a deal on them. I have a 2003 Kawasaki Super Sherpa and I like it.
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