The climate here in Northern Virginia is nearly ideal for year round bicycle commuting. Granted, a number of hot, Code Red days occur in the heat of summer when it's not much fun to ride. Even on those days, the temperature is relatively cool in the morning when the air pollution levels are the lowest. And working up a sweat on the ride home in the evening when it is hotter doesn't matter as much. A few days in winter are too cold, wet, and miserable to ride, but those days are relatively few.
I've tried a couple of different ways of dressing for the commute. I used to ride in my work clothes. I was lucky to be able to dress casually at work, and a little extra deodorant applied upon arrival was enough to get me through the day. During the past 10 years I more often commute in more appropriate bike clothes and change at work.
Summer - During the summer I wear, shorts and a t-shirt. I then change into work clothes, either in my closed office or in a locker room. This allows my riding clothes to dry during the day if I work up a sweat. If it's really hot, riding at a slower pace keeps you from getting too sweaty.
Winter - In the winter I often cover my pants with nylon over-pants and I wear a nylon jacket if the weather is very cold. A good pair of waterproof pants and jacket can be used as wind resistant gear during those colder days. It's surprising how few days one needs warmer clothes, given the heat generated by riding during the commute. On really cold days I've used a pair of thick bicycle mittens, known as "Lobster Claws." They have two fingers and a thumb, which allows most people enough flexibility to work the gears and apply the breaks, and keep the hands relatively warm. Since the padding in the palm is thin, I stuff pieces of pipe insulation inside for extra cushioning. A face covering such as a balaclava helps keep the exposed skin warm. On really cold days Neoprene booties keep the feet warm.
Rain - If the forecast calls for rain, I pack rain pants and jacket. I rarely get wet while riding to work on a short commute. If it is raining in the afternoon, you can usually time your return so that you miss the worst of the rain. Waterproof mittens and booties also come in handy, especially in a cold rain. If all else fails, riding in the rain really isn't that bad if you dress properly, especially on the trip home. Be careful of wet rims and allow extra braking distance.
Carrying Clothes - Dealing with work clothes is a challenge. They can be folded or rolled up and carried in panniers. Some panniers are designed specifically to carry clothes like a garment bag, draped over the bike rack. Another strategy is to drive to work, either on the weekend or instead of bike commuting one day, and take in a week's worth of clothes. This allows you to avoid stuffing your clothes in your bags and lugging them with you each day.
Basic Gear - Obviously a helmet is essential, as are a good pair of riding gloves, even for short commutes. A waterproof helmet cover comes in handy on wet or cold days.
Night Riding - For night riding during the winter, a pair of glasses with clear lenses is important to protect the eyes from debris. Reflective gear and lights are also essential. I use a reflective vest and a reflective triangle that clips around my waist. Most good bike shops have a selection of reflective gear. Adventure Cycling carries the triangles. It's best to use as much reflective material as possible for night rides to maximize your visibility to vehicle traffic. See last month's column for a discussion of lights.
Employer Facilities - Ideally you have access to a locker room with showers, and have the time to change and shower before work. In reality, this is not always the case, and you must improvise. If your employer does not provide adequate facilities, why not request them. It can't hurt to ask, and enlightened employers will see the benefits of providing facilities for bike commuters and others who exercise at work.