I've been bike commuting for 6 weeks now and I'm on the second week of all four days biking in. It's about 8 miles one way and surprisingly protected for being in a southern US city. I have a 7 speed step through city bike that I love. I can't go fast, average about 10 mph but it's a very peaceful ride. The first three miles are through a chill quiet neighborhood, then a college campus, a city park, another quiet neighborhood street and then two miles of curbed off bike lanes.
Reading through this thread I have crazy respect for all y'all winter bikers. I'm dealing with 100+ degree summer rides but at least drinking water, wipes for the morning, and so many change of clothes takes care of most of the problems.
The thing that sucks the most about winter biking is all the damned gear.
Summer cycling - shorts, t-shirt, socks, shoes, backpack
Winter cycling - Multiple front lights and rear lights (make sure all the batteries are charged), reflective clothing, hi-viz clothing, baselayer, fleece, windshell, extra layer of clothes in case it's really really cold, windproof pants, long underwear, heavy gloves, face covering, hat, extra pair of socks, warm boots, backpack
Once you're dressed and moving it's fine . . . but the preparation is daunting. :P