I've been bike-commuting for almost 5 years now and I still feel much slower than any of my cycling friends and get exhausted on hills. It is discouraging. :( But I do still like doing it.

How well-equipped are you to keep up your biking during the cold/dark months?

I look forward to seeing any family-bike solutions you try out... I got to ride (both on and in!) a Bakfiet today, which was a lot of fun. (although took quite a bit of getting used to for turning).