Shane,

Seven miles is very doable. I am going to point you to Lovely Bicycle! blog. She lives somewhere in Ireland and has lots of tricks and tips. Velouria has been blogging for several years, she started out in Boston and moved to Ireland a few years back. I wish my roads were as beautiful.

I lived car free for 7 years, I had two commutes, one was less than 3 miles, one was just over 8 miles. I rode in all weather, day and night. If you equip yourself and your bicycle properly it should work out just fine. To me cars are 1) a money pit and 2) an evil necessity. I have to drive for work, prefer not to drive on my days off.

My commuter bikes (actually most of my bikes) all have a few things in common: Fenders, racks and bags to carry stuff, and lights. I prefer to use dyno hubs with the lights fixed on the bike, they are always there and ready to go. The current crop of USB rechargeable LED lights are very good too. They are all comfortable to ride. They may not be fast. For clothes I dress according to where I am going and the weather. I rode my Raleigh 3 speed to my parents' 50th wedding celebration in a tuxedo. Got a lot of wolf whistles and thumbs up. Others have given some great tips too. Never say it can't be done, prove the naysayers wrong.

Aaron