South Tryon to Billy Graham Parkway

I realized I did not answer your question about riding at night, or should I say after dark. In the winter time it is always dark when I ride home. I beleive the key to riding after dark is lots of flashing lights and reflectors. And in general my sense is that drivers seem to be more considerate after dark - I don't remember being honked at etc.

I live off of Sandy Porter Road and commute home from town, and have to cross the bridge over 485 either using South Tryon, or alternatively using Arrowood. Without a doubt this is the worst part of the cycle home, particularly on South Tryon. Using the sidewalk on the North Bound side of the bridge is not a good alternative to using the road. The sidewalk is overgrown with shrubs, and the ramp where cars come off the 485 is particularly dangerous for a South Bound bikers or pedestrian, because invariably drivers are looking for cars coming from the other side.
To me the safest alternative is to pedal up the steep incline on the road, and in my mind the only safe place to do this is in the middle of the lane. This does not please some drivers, and occasionally some will rev their engines, honk, cut as close as they can infront of you etc, but in general most drivers do seem to understand, even if they think you are a bit crazy.