I agree with this.

I could easily take 10-15 mins off my ride, but not only would it be not safer I would miss the close up ride next to the beach, (sublime sunsets some days), and going past the boat marina which I enjoy.

Also pick a none work day with if possible low traffic so you don't get too stressed, get on the bike and actually try out some of the potential routes to work. Its a much more reliable way of picking which is best rather than relying on an Internet map site.

Another trick is to follow other bike commuters. This got me through a painful area where I had to get off the bike and walk across a couple of busy lanes. Then I saw this bloke on a bike pass me and I thought "hmmm I wonder where he's going?" I followed him and discovered a little short cut.