velogirl: One of my coworkers lost vision in one eye last year, he has a lot of trouble in the dusk/dark, too. Especially in the rain. It has been difficult for him.
Marylandnewbie: very cool on the family tour. I'd like to do that someday!
My commuting news: I love the ride on my Bianchi Pista so much I'm going to go steel for my next commuter. Already cooking up plans. Has to have fender room, steel, singlespeed or fixed, and be available at one of two LBS's I frequent. That leaves me with a Surly/Vicious/IF custom or a Bianchi. Think the San Jose ($599) fits well, I might rock that this winter.