The bare minimum:
First of all, before we get into anything else, it needs to be said that if you have a helmet and a bike that basically works, you can ride to work and home again. That's it. Nothing else is absolutely required, and that simplicity is part of the beauty of cycle commuting. Wear a helmet, and get on and go. Too cool, huh?

That said, there are a few things you can get or use and some actions you can take that can make the trip more enjoyable and safer.

There are things you can get:

• Lighting and reflectors. Almost required gear, unless you ONLY ride during daylight hours. Most of us won't be able to do that, so buying a pair of battery operated taillights is a good idea. (Using two makes you more visible, and when the batteries fail on one, you've still got the other.) You'll also want a headlight, either handlebar mounted, or one mounted on your helmet (or both).
• Rack with panniers, or backpack. This is great for toting your lunch along, clean clothes, anything else you'd like to bring along.
• Basic tools. Like cars, breakdowns happen. Unlike cars, you don't have to abandon your vehicle on the side of the road. A multi-tool, spare tube, air pump and patch kit (and knowing how to use them) will keep you riding happily.
• Windbreaker/Raincoat. A lightweight, waterproof windbreaker is great for cold, damp days or for serious rain. Light rain doesn't really get you all that wet, so most people don't bother with rain gear for such conditions.
• Bike lock. Unless you can bring your bike inside the workplace and put it in some out of the way secure location, you'll probably need a bike lock to make sure your bike is there when you go home again. Some people can leave the bike lock affixed to the "stationary object" at work, lightening the load that you carry back on forth on your commute.

• Obey traffic laws. This amounts to stopping at stop signs and stoplights, riding on the right side of the road (as far right as is safely possible), and using hand signals when turning.
• Don't weave or act unpredictably. If you were the motorist, what would you think of you?
• Maintain your bike. If you keep it clean and keep the chain lubed, your bike should commute without serious problems for a long time.
• If you ride with long pants, either roll the right cuff way up, or tuck the cuff into your sock. The front gears (called chainrings) have a nasty way of eating pants, and coating them with oil and dirt.

There's more, of course. For winter commuting, check out our Winter Riding page. Other tips will be coming, but for the time being, enjoy your commute!