Any cycling tips?

Anonymous

I'm just starting cycling commuting to work. To start out, I'm cycling 4-6 miles one way and taking the bus the rest, but eventually I'd like to build up to the whole 8 miles. Never spent much time, as least as an adult, on a bike before. For one, my bottom is killing me the day after a ride and I have to take the car (and keep reminding myself not to worry about pelvic mets) for several days. How can I recover faster? Secondly, how do I not die in traffic? I cycle on some hairy roads and my city isn't that bike friendly. Advice? Claire???