That sounds good (spds, leaving on the panniers, better light etc.). The roads sound safe. The bike, being across from the LBS will be okay, I'm sure. Have you considered MTB shoes that you could wear all day? I have Keen commuter sandals, and they're good for walking in. I know, soon enough it will be too cool for sandals . I'm still wearing mine with socks, a look I'm not 100% sold on, but they're so comfy. I think I just became my mother.

Part of my commute from work is on a heavy traffic (rush hour), winding road by URI, with no shoulder. I could get off this road and on a bike path after about a mile, but it's that first mile that has kept me driving my car all winter in years past. My commute is also 15 miles long to my car. I really just ride for the fun of it, not to save gas (I still have to drive a good part of the way because of 2 bridges), not for any other reason but it's a nice chance to get in some miles. It's a lot more work for me to commute by bike, but I do it because it's fun. I'm not sure it would still be fun if I was scared some text messaging kid was not going to see me.

Well, I think I officially talked myself out of it again! 4 miles on country roads sounds fun, though. Keep us updated on the changes.