Yes political will can fix it. But for that we need people to vote in mass for such politics. Thus every individual will and actions counts because it can show a change is possible, as mentionned in the article people reacts when confronted to new behavior around : oh my neighbour installed EV heater and insulated his roof, maybe it can improve my house too, oh my colleague is biking to work, he is fit and healthy and saves money, maybe if this cunt can do it I can try too it will save me gas money and gym subscription.
And when you begin to pay attention to an "healthy" way of life, you enlarge the spectrum : e.g. I try to save water so I do not want to support big companies that pollute it (oil, intensive farming, chemical, electronics...) and I will try to avoid buying their products (sure I can't cut all but I will try to find alternatives) etc...
I would recommend any bike with 8 or 9 speed in your budget that you tried and like to ride. Add the cost of a good U-lock and lights. As it eventually get stolen, save for a next bike.
8/9 speed parts are robust, abundant, and cheap, and maintenance is easy.