I live only 4.5km from work in a somewhat hilly (nothing too big, just enough to let you know they're there) city (Sudbury, ON). Given that cycling is enjoyable and a preferred fitness activity, I take longer routes from 14 to 19km but if I am in a rush to get home, I will take the short route.

The roads are all residential except for a couple of short sections on 4-lane, 60kph (40mph) roads and one 1km section on a smooth gravel road (a connector between one suburb and Laurentian University).