Hi,

My personal opinion is get a cheap and clunky utility bike with rack
and fenders for day to day use and relatively short commuting.
Helmet and gloves is all the safety equipment you need.
Nice tyres will help even the most basic of bikes.

Then get good a MTB if off roading is your thing or a good road
bike if tearing up roads is your thing along with more cycling kit.

rgds, sreten.

My utility bike is the folder, fine up to say 20 miles a day.