I do this exact thing. I live in a fairly small city, but the commute from home to work would be 25 miles one way, plus the traffic in the city is bad. I drive just outside the city and bike through rural areas. VERY nice ride. It's only 16 miles one way then. Works out great. The area I park in isn't the best either, but it's near a major road, so I don't feel that vulnerable. Better than nothing....