rumrunn6, I've commuted in both NYC and Boston. Both have their pitfalls. Boston drivers are, as a rule, worse. But traffic volume in NYC is greater, and distances are usually longer, so overall, NYC is probably harder.

These days there are tons and tons of bike commuters who are not "bike people." They're just people who happen to travel by bike. So you don't have to be "serious" to survive and thrive.

ywchan, I'm glad you've decided to do this. In a few months, you will be giving advice rather than asking for it. As others have said, it gets easier, and you'll be surprised at how it doesn't take long.

I generally don't change my clothes in the middle of the day. When I'm soaked with sweat and arrive at my destination, I sit as still as possible and drink a lot of ice water. I eventually dry off.