Early AM riding is the best. Except now, you have to get out pretty early (before 5) to have to use a headlight!
I was nervous the first time I rode home in the dark, from the train station, all of 5 miles. I quickly realized the light I had on my Jamis Coda, was really for "being seen." Once I get out of the center of town, there are very few, or no streetlights. So I got another light, and use both of them. Problem solved.
I also got a good light for my road bike and often in the fall or early spring, we got out for short (10-13 mile) rides before work/school. I love seeing the town wake up.