You should check out the commuter thread. There are people riding in nearly all conditions even in the dark.

Personally, I would rather go to the gym and mix it up on the treadmill, recombent stationary bike and upright stationary bike plus do a core upper body at the same time than get on a trainer.

I find riding in snow fun but all the extra clothing a pain which lowers my motivation to go out. I generally don't enjoy stationary equipment but if I have to use it I want variation. That is why I go to the gym. I say if you are happy keep doing what you are doing but add some core body conditioning with it during the winter.

If you really would rather be riding to work even in winter then go for it. Winters in North Carolina are rather mild most of the time so good lighting is going to be the only real challenge.

I would say that many would say you are wimping out. But the increased safety issues are real things you have to deal with. So your fears are not unjustified. It comes down to where you have to ride. In some busy traffic locations riding at night might not be worth the risk but alternative routes are often available. You have to evaluate the risk for your own situation and riding skills. Combined with dealing with cars. In some places the risk is much higher due to weather patterns.

However, the bottom line is that the majority of winter cyclist are riding in the dark most or much of the time if they are commuting to work.