How to commute by bicycle and survive

There's this illustration that's been going around on facebook. It makes a lot of sense and everything on this illustration is correct. Still, people find many reasons not to ride a bicycle let alone commute daily on one.

Some of the things I think keep people from commuting by bicycle or just riding in general is fear of traffic, fear of crashing, fear of what other people will think of them, being stinky etc. etc.
All of these fears are justafyable, but with some patience and a little experience, they're easy to overcome. When it comes to riding in traffic, it's probably best to start in a group setting. At some point, if you're going to commute by bicycle, you're going to be doing some or all of your riding solo. I've been doing it for many years now, and a few things I can tell you to make things easier are:

• If you're going to be riding the same route daily, as in work and back, check out possible routes on Google maps or explore a few routes to find a good one. I have a couple routes that I use that are both pretty low key and safe.
• Be aware of your surroundings all the time. Make eye contact with drivers that may pull out in front of you and always be alert and ready for them to do something stupid.
• This kind of goes along with the last one, but assume you're invisible. Be ready to take evasive manuvers.
• Always ride with the traffic.
• Don't blast through stop signs and red lights.
• Be assertive when riding on busy streets. You have just as much right to be on them as the cars.
• Get some good lights if you're going to ride in the dark.
• If you don't know basic bicycle mainenence, learn. You will get a flat at some point. Carry spare tubes, tools etc. on the bicycle. Obviously a cell phone also if your bike is beyond roadside repair and you need a ride.
• No shower? Baby wipes work really well.

Really, the bottom line is if you're considering commuting by bicycle, you just have to commit and do it. All you really need is a bicycle and a positive attitude. I still drive to work about 5% of the time if I have plans or the weather is really bad. I would say I save between $15-$20 every week on gas alone though. I also get 1/2 to 1/3 of my training miles by riding to work, and it's always more fun to get faster than ride in a car.