My ride to work is 4 miles one way. 80% is a bike/ped path, and half of the path has tree shade. The rest is on quiet residential streets. I cross one highway, but there's a light I can push to get a light. My route is mostly flat with the exception of 3 modest hills (two downhill and 1 uphill going to work). Right off the bike path is my PO, bank and pharmacy. 200 yards off the path is a grocery. I can't complain.