So I just got a sweet new commuter bike, the Jamis Commuter 3.0, and it rules. I rode it a bunch over the weekend, did some errands, did a 12 mile out & back that was pretty fun. I am in love with my yet-to-be-named bike, and will ride it to work on the days I'm not carpooling.

That said, if you had to choose one of these 2 routes, which would you pick? I've put the Boston-specific info in parentheses in case anyone here commutes on this same route.

1) 8.5 mile route that is mostly on bike paths, but with a few really dicey areas where traffic is downright scary, involving a crazy intersection/bridge crossing. (West Roxbury via VFW Parkway, to Centre St, to Jamaica Pond/Emerald Necklace bike path, to Park Dr, across Comm Ave, to BU Bridge, to Charles River bike path, to Harvard Sq)

2) 8.5 - 9 mile route that is mostly on city streets but with decidedly fewer scary intersections, few left turns, etc. (West Roxbury to Grove/Newton St/Lee St/Chestnut Hill Ave/Market St/Charles River bike path to Harvard Sq)