Reader: Denver is a great bike city, but drivers here could learn from Portland

This week, Patricia Calhoun wrote about a good-natured competition between Denver and Portland for bike-city supremacy -- and Denver came out on top! But even though one reader who has experience cycling in both places loves D-Town, he thinks local drivers could learn from those in a certain Pacific Northwest...

By Michael Roberts

April 5, 2013

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This week, Patricia Calhoun wrote about a good-natured competition between Denver and Portland for bike-city supremacy -- and Denver came out on top! But even though one reader who has experience cycling in both places loves D-Town, he thinks local drivers could learn from those in a certain Pacific Northwest locale.

KennyO writes:

I've biked both Portland, Denver and many big cities in the U.S.. Denver can't be beat when it comes to our urban trail system, which is extensive. Portland has some of the friendliest motorists that I've ever come across, yielding and using caution around bicyclists when on the road.

Denver drivers could learn a lot from Portland when it comes to having safe, positive interactions with bicyclists. Also, they have Voodoo Donuts when a carb fill is needed.

For more memorable takes, visit our Comment of the Day archive.

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Michael Roberts began his career with Westword in 1990 as music editor. In 1999, he took on a new role, full-time media reporter, as author of a column called The Message. In 2008, he became the lead writer for Westword's news blog, The Latest Word, a position he held until January 2023. Michael continues to freelance for Westword, covering everything from business to sports and the media; he also contributes to Jazziz, a national music magazine. He holds a bachelor's degree from what is now Colorado Mesa University and master's degrees from the University of California, Los Angeles, and Northwestern University.

Contact: Michael Roberts

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