So I have recently started commuting to work via bike. Now the main reason I started was because my truck broke down and I wanted to save up for a nice newer truck. I'm looking for some tips from you all who do this everyday. My round trip is about 3.64 miles but will be getter longer as I intend to take alternate routes home to make it more interesting. Now none of my route options are the safest. (No sidewalks nor trails and my route to work is a steep windy road thru some woods where I hit about 39 mph according to my app on my phone). My cycle is a lynx extremist (classic walmart style mountain bike) which I got free thru my dad. I am converting over to road ( ordering some hybrid tires this week) and have already put lights on it as my morning commute is well into the wee morning hours. I have given the bike a good tuneup including new shifters and cables. Along with gloves, a small bag for random tools/items, and a helmet (soon a helmet mounted mirror) but what other things have people found to be helpful, safer, convenient etc. Also what are the benefits to clip/clipless pedals. On my way to work it's almost non stop but soon I will be adding a trailer and will be picking my daughter after work so my route will be about 5 miles more with traffic lights (that route has sidewalks). I used to bmx and mountain bike alot in school.. but it's almost 10 years later and I have to get back into shape so this will work great. I can work on bikes, just not familiar with commuting with them. I have read all local laws for bikes.. so that is helpful. Thanks in advance and sorry for the longwinded questions...