It seems the further you are from DC, the bigger the generalizations.

It's funny, I'm actually in DC, and I ride (and park my bike outside) almost every day and I haven't had a bike stolen in eight years -- and that was one I accidentally left unlocked in my front yard. Ten years ago things were different.

I ride in the rain just about every rainy day. I used to have fenders but I took them off and never missed them. If you're riding for any length of time, it's impossible to stay dry, your thinking should be about being as comfortable as possible while soaking wet. A helmet liner is good. I like to use lights as well.