I agree with the longer route, as long as it is well lit if you commute at dusk, dawn or night times. I take 2 routes. I go to work when it is still dark, so I take the main road close to my house, then down a sidestreet to work. After work I take a one way road to a bike path until I hit my main road again. If I had a bike path all the way from work I would take it. I would take it in the morning if it was lit up better. Can't be too carefull about wierdoes at 4:20 in the morning. Have a great day.