Commuting to southern Elmhurst from south Oak Park

I'm looking for recommendations for routes to take to southern Elmhurst (York and Butterfield) from south Oak Park (Oak Park and Madison).  I just rode the Prairie path with my brother west to Elmhurst from Forest Park at 11:00 in the afternoon; it seemed well maintained and I didn't see any glass.  We saw about a dozen people using the trail.  If I start commuting to work I'll be leaving early--6:45 a.m. and heading home around 3:30 p.m.  I'm wondering about how safe the path is during these times and if other people use the path to commute.  I've considered biking out to work in the a.m. and taking the train home in the afternoon.  I'm not a fast rider as I'm trying to get back into shape after having a baby 3 months ago.  I'd appreciate any input or suggestions--thanks!