from previous post...a stove? cool,

I carry pretty much what has been mentioned (16+ miles each way, an hour commute, very rural) I feel I need to be able to cobble together a repair so I make it to school before kids do so I have two extra tubes, tools (including chain tool) duct tape, pump etc.) Lock. (I leave the kryptonite at school but have a cable for quick stops at stores on way in/out) I have a dry bag stuffed in the cheap panniers with teaching clothes (minus the shoes and belt) big leftover containers for lunch, occasional papers. Occasionally I need to bring odd items (like potatoes for a lab, supplies like bags of mints, light bulbs, water samples, containers of earthworms, etc.) Rain gear, and often have to stuff extra layers that were needed in early am but not on the ride home into the bags as well. Wouldn't have to do this if the lights were permanently attached. I have keys and cell phone in outer pockets. Occasionally snacks too.
Oh and a plastic bag that I tie on the seat if it looks like rain so I don't get a wet tush on ride home.

Hmm... I think I need to simplify some.

The biggest bother I'd love to engineer a system is how to get everything (lights, water bottle, blinky, panniers) and then back on quickly (locked up outside) it takes a time when its cold and I'm no longer generating heat.

I have plenty of extra reflective bits on fenders and wheels with reflective side walls as well. I also got a bike that would accommodate wide tires and spikes.