Cycling home from work late at night- safety

Hi guys, newbie here... I've recently started commuting to my part time job which is really convenient, and I'm really hooked on it! The problem- I finish late at night, around 10.30pm, sometimes 11 at night. I take a path right next to a busy highway, so I'm always visible, but the problem is that the highway is at some point right next to a big plot of empty undeveloped land, and is pretty dark. No trees that some bogeyman can jump out from behind and catch you unaware, and that stretch doesn't last for more than 4 to 5 minutes tops. I can't say it feels unsafe, but I'm concerned as to how far I'm putting my safety at risk by biking home at night. I live in a country which has a very low crime rate (esp violent crime), but while I don't want to give up commuting to work, I don't want to become a statistic either. Any thoughts (or advice from other ladies who've had to cycle late at night for one reason or the other)?

Only you can decide whether it's worth it to you to ride on that path at night, and neither decision (to ride or to avoid) is right or wrong. Trust your gut. If it tells you it isn't worth the risk, don't do it. Definitely don't try to convince yourself that you're being wimpy if you don't do it. You're not. You being cautious, and you should respect that.

I also recommend you read this book: http://www.amazon.com/Gift-Fear-Gavi.../dp/0440226198

ps I hope you have good front and tail lights on your bike and lots of reflective stuff on you and the bike.
The good news is; in the dark they can't tell if you are a man or a woman..

I often wind up riding home that late, but not consistently. Is there another route you could ride some of the time? That way you're passing that spot at a particular time would be more random and less likely to draw unwanted attention.

I was a bicycle commuter for a very long time and my morning commute was pretty dark. Bicycle commuting puts me in the best mood. It's way better than morning coffee. I always wore a bright yellow jacket and had bought some reflective bands for my ankles. My favorite purchase was a custom backpack from L.L. Bean with reflective strips and zippers that also has embedded LED light up strips. The strips can either flash or stay on constantly. I chose a light blue backpack with silver reflective parts and a couple pink neon strip lights. It is cute and the pink stands out. I also had a flashing tail light and of course a light on the front of my bike. I'm not sure if they still have them but you might be able to find something on etsy.com with an embedded LED strip or even have something made custom on etsy.com alchemy. Aside from that, ride like they still can't see you. There are plenty of ignorant drivers so be really careful. I lost a fellow commuter and dear friend to one last year. Even when you think you've made eye contact in an intersection they still might try to run you down.

Sorry... I missed the part about the 4 or 5 mins of being in an area where you are out of sight. My gut would tell me it's not such a great idea and I also live an area with a low crime rate. You just never know. See if there is another way that is a little more visible even if it is a little longer.