if you are worried, take the bike path - especially during rush hour.

try the road if you can commute off-peak. as you build confidence, you may want to try the road more.

a lot of people complain about paths being inconvenient, but even if you collide with another biker or pedestrian it's going to hurt a lot less than a collision with a car.

i know many people disagree with me (dons flame suit)