I've lived in NYC my entire life. Don't have a drivers license. Haven't taken public transportation in 3.5 years. My work commute is 10-15 minutes. I have a rain suit (need a better one) for heavy rain, a poncho for light rain and going to winterize my hybrid for snow etc. My main commuter is about 19lbs, the hybrid, which has a rack, is probably closer to 30lbs. Never late for work and sometimes will take the long way home for some miles after work.