Suddenly, Cycling

[kiffie]

First off, hello! I'm new, here!

I'm also semi-new to cycling, since I've always depended pretty heavily on cars to get me around. Over the past few months, though, money has gotten tighter, so I've been relying more and more on my bike to get to and from work. It's been... an experience!

My town has a lot of bike lanes that are in mostly-working order, which is nice. Cars are usually attentive, if not terribly happy about sharing a lefthand turn lane. My only complaint is hills. Recumbents are not made for uphill, and there isn't a single bit of flat ground on my entire route. It's a fairly short distance-- about a mile or so --but for a more-or-less beginner, every day feels like a marathon.

So! Anyone have tips for a bike-commute newb? Best ways to ease into riding? Things to watch out for in traffic? General advice?