Just an FYI that the downtown Y will be jointly running the bike port with BGI in cooperation with the city. I've already heard conflicting things about the date it will go live. I'm not sure of cost at this point, either.

I glanced at a map of your area (keeping in mind that I only generally know where you live). I think there's any number of ways that you could get downtown. In fact, I don't think it would be that hard to tie into the Butler training ride route, which goes as south as the southern end of Riverside Park. Now, that's not the safest of areas, so that has me a little nervous. I'm not sure, however, whether you can totally avoid going through some sketchy areas to get downtown....

In any event, I think you would benefit, regardless of whether you decide to commute, to get more used to driving in traffic, as you will find yourself in such situations any way the more your ride and the more out-of-town and group/event rides you do anyway. Just ease yourself into it. I'll be honest that I used to get totally freaked out when I first started riding because I couldn't necessarily avoid urban riding. You can get used to it.

Certainly, I would encourage you to take advantage of all that CIBA, the Indiana Bicycle Coalition and the League of American Bicyclists offer. Connie Schumaker and Warren Smock of the latter would likely be more than happy to help you.