As a side note about safety, I've noticed a few things when the time changes in the fall. This is when the folks who started commuting during the summer suddenly discover that their lights are either inadequate or nonexistent. Or, they've installed some kind of atomic powered lamp on their helmets to blind all oncoming cyclists. And it's too soon for the cold weather to kill them off.
Then there are the joggers. I call them the Madison Ninja Joggers. They are invariably dressed head-to-toe in black, and apparently unaware that the SOUTHWEST COMMUTER PATH is used by commuters.
So, this is a good point to check that your lights still work, and take it nice and slow on the first couple days of darkness.