I just started commuting with regularity this year. Here's some of my thoughts. I use light rail in the morning to blow through nasty traffic corridor. I usually use it in the evening to save time. Occasionally, I take a round about way home all bike. Mornings I usually ride with a purpose to ensure I'm on time. Often in the evenings I dawdle, just because... The mileage is well withing my comfort zone. With a little time spent with your favorite mapping software you can usually find a pretty nice route. I have one short section near work that intimidated early on for which i had no alternative. Almost a year in the apprehension has faded.