Equipment: The Bike
Obviously, you'll need a bike that can get you there and back. Because commuting can eat up a lot of time and involves personal safety and comfort, many riders go to great lengths to select and equip their bikes to minimize the dangers and discomforts of commuting. And that can be expensive. However, a large number of commuters choose to ride an old beater, because commuting bikes often spend the day chained outside and take a pounding from the weather. Spiffy looking bikes are also much more likely to be stolen. Many riders use the old beater only in winter, riding the "good" bike in the warmer months.
What kind of bike you should ride depends on many variables, including the bike's security during the day, the risk of theft, the difficulty of the ride and your desire to make the trip comfortable, safe and efficient. It's the "comfortable, safe and efficient" bit that these pages can help you with by providing information on gear and riding tips which other riders have found to be valuable.
You can commute on any bike. But if you want some recommendations on which types of bikes might be better for this purpose (that is, more comfortable, safer and more efficient as evaluated by the experts) and how they should be outfitted, you can find a detailed discussion here.
Here is a suggested list of gear and accessories based on what the full-time commuters recommend. After a couple of weeks of commuting, you'll know what you'll need to add to this list!
Gear You Really Need
Bags to Carry Your Payload
Almost certainly you'll need to carry things to work and back: clothes, work papers, all the items listed below. What you need to carry will dictate what you need to carry it in. There is a large variety of luggage options to choose from, but rear racks and panniers are the luggage of choice for most commuters.
Lighting System
This is the one thing commuters talk about most - many of them spend more money on the lighting system than they do on their bike. Lighting is complicated and technical and you'll find more detail here.
Lock
If your bike is going to be outside during your workday and you want to keep it more than a day or two, 
get a very good lock. A heavy U-lock and good cable should suffice to secure the frame and wheels, but you might want to take those fancy accessories inside with you. You'll know in advance what facilities will be available for securing your bike, so you can buy locks to fit that specific situation. You can leave a very solid, heavy Kryptonite lock and chain attached to your rack at work - you don't have to carry it back and forth with you every trip.
Repair Kit
You'll probably get a flat eventually, so you need to be prepared. Extra tubes, a boot, a patch kit, pump and tire levers are a minimum requirement for emergencies. Here's a suggestion for a more comprehensive riding tool kit.
Pump
There are a variety of pump styles to choose from, but a mini pump should be enough to get you back home to the floor pump and gauge, where you can fill up properly. CO2 inflators which don't require pumping are also available, but the CO2 fill is only temporary and won't last long in your tires before they flat out again. Most riders carry a backup pump, whichever primary system they use.
Additional Gear You Should Have
Basic Toiletry Kit
This is what you need to transform yourself quickly from a grimy road warrior to a presentable worker bee once you get to the office.
Bike Cap
This can keep rain and sun out of your eyes and can be worn under your helmet. Hides helmet hair from the bike to the office bathroom, too.
Fenders
You don't want a face or a back full of grime or water from the road. Fenders aren't always perfect, but they're a heck of a lot better than nothing at all.
First Aid Kit
No two bikers can seem to agree on what should be in this. Red Cross recommends this, although it's pretty bulky for a bike. How about: 2 butterfly bandages; 12 bandaids of various size; four 4"x 4" gauze compression pads; 1 roll of gauze bandage; 1 role of medical tape; benedryl (or other antihistamine) for bee stings; aspirin (or your choice of substitute); moleskin (for blisters); 1 tube of polysporin ointment; 4 antiseptic wipes. You'll probably already carry a swiss army knife or multitool with cutter.
Helmet
Statistics show helmets significantly reduce head injuries in a crash. How much do you value your brains? Leg Strap
For those weight weenies without a chain guard.
Spare Batteries for Your Lights
Carry spares - some batteries go out very abruptly. And check your lights once a week for brightness and battery power loss.
Glasses
Eye protection is always a smart choice - flying stinging insects, particles kicked up by passing cars and empty water bottles teenagers toss at you all have the potential for putting you down if you get hit in the eyes. Sunglasses work in bright weather and goggles work in the rain, although they tend to fog up. If you wear glasses normally, you're all set - you could even use an older pair for the commute. Clear plastic full face guards which attach to the helmet are becoming more popular, as well.
Rain Jacket or Poncho
It's a matter of personal preference between the two garments - no matter which you choose, the minute you ride off without it, it will rain.
Spare Change
Very handy for stuff out of machines you might need on the way.
Water Bottles/Cages
Depends on the duration and distance of your ride, but these items are usually considered basic essentials for commuters.
Wet (Baby) Wipes
Remove sweat and grime in a pinch without a shower.
Additional Gear You Should Consider
Bell
State law actually requires an audio warning signal of some sort (other than a whistle or siren), although most riders don't use one. A louder device like an air horn works better to get the attention of car drivers. It's also good for scaring off aggressive dogs.
Clipless Pedals
Clipless pedals make your form more efficient and pedaling easier, although they may be hard to get used to. It also might mean having a different pair of work shoes at the office.
Pedals With Good Tread
If you're not using clips or clipless pedals, make sure your platforms have a good grip, such as metal points which stick out to grip your sole.
Kickstand
It adds a little weight, but it sure is convenient.
Mirror
You need to know what's around you at all times, and sometimes there just isn't enough time to turn and look. Left side is good, both sides are better.
Reflectors
Although there's no substitute for active lighting in the dark, reflectors can be very effective at marking your presence for cars. White for front and sides, red for back. The more the better. Patches of reflective tape on your helmet and bike are also very helpful.
Snack
Sometimes you just run out of gas and need a recharge on the go.
Things You Might Want to Keep at Work
Extra tube to replace your spare if you use it on the ride to work.
Energy drink/bars in case you need a boost to get you started home.
Chain lube in case you develop a squeak or the chain gets wet on the morning ride.
Floor pump to top off your pressure if you have to do a quick minipump fill on the way in.
Testimonials
Here's the experience and advice of one veteran Columbus commuter.
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