I used to be just like you. I would be too nervous to ride, walk or run alone once it got dark. DH used to grumble when I asked him to go and he would say " I don't like going your speed, I don't get much of a work-out". Well one night I decided not to bother to ask him and I went on my own and really enjoyed it. Now it is one of my more favorite times to go out as it is usually pretty quiet, peacefull, and when it snows it makes it that much more enjoyable. Just make sure you have good lights