Ride, rest, repeat( A mt bike saying) I have 6 bikes I commute on, depending on weather. Some of the others are for mt biking. I average 2,000 bike commuter miles each year, going on 6 years now. 18 miles one way is not that far, I average 2-6 one way trips per week. It takes 1 hour by car, 10 - 60 minutes longer by bike, weather dependent. pedal for yourself, not anyone else. I favor function over fashion. I wear my helmet, the 2 times I have gone off bike commuting, I have hit my head on the pavement. Got up and walked away. Mt biking, I have split, dented and cracked a helmet, all fine after dusting myself off. Not open for debate here, just my personal results and opinions. Your results my vary. Take the lane when needed. Chicks dig scars( mt bike saying) And sculpted legs. ( My better half)