Thanks for all of your very helpful advice, anecdotes, and stories of experiences you've had. It makes me feel like I'm not alone, and that it's OK to feel a little afraid. I guess a little fear is healthy- keeps you on your toes. That's the kind I have- not the paralyzing kind that won't let me ride my bike at all (if I had that kind- I'd never cycle another mile in my lifetime ). I will just light myself up, be aware, and get out there. I've driven the route in the daylight hours, and around about the times that I'd be commuting. It's surely just fear of the unknown. Like Bikerhen said: it may be for me, may not- I just have to try. And GLC- I understand what you mean about the cars keeping you company. I feel much more scared when I'm all alone than when I know someone else is around (even if there's a chance that the someone could mow me down ).
My commute will be 1.5 hours in dark, .5 hour in light in the morning. Just the opposite on the way home. When traffic is heavier at night, I'm glad just a short time will be in the dark. I will vow to do it this week (well, depending on the temps). I will NOT cycle when it's below 38F in the morning- that's my strange cut-off temp.

Thank you again. I REALLY appreciate having this forum to ask questions. Not many I know would be able to give helpful advice (and most of them are guys and I think their worries/concerns are much different than ours).


Twin- where do you live? I live in central OK.