Caught on a bike in SLC: Two Portland lovebirds- Jen and Dan

We often hear about how great and well supported the cycling infrastructure of  Portland, OR is. Rarely do we get the chance to hear what Portlanders have to say about cycling in our city. Meet Jen and Dan, two Portland lovebirds that happened to be visiting Salt Lake and had the chance to ride bikes in the down town area for a day. Read on to find out what they thought of riding in Salt Lake and what their thoughts are on our huge streets.

Names: Jenifer Wilson and Daniel Denison

Hometown:
Jen: Twin Falls, Idaho
Daniel: Bend, Oregon

Number of years you have been dating: Eight, we are getting married in August.

First time in SLC? This is our third time in Salt Lake but our first time riding bikes.

Favorite place for drinks in Salt Lake: The Beerhive

Number of years bike commuting:
Jen: Five or six years
Dan: Eight years

First commuter bike:
Jen: Daniels old mountain bike. I own two bikes now; an aluminum Trek and a GT single speed.
Dan: A 90's GT Timberline Mountain bike. Now I own four bikes.

Favorite bike accessory:
Jen: Front rack-- it is like my backpack and I don't have to worry about it.
Dan: A well made messenger bag.

Thoughts on riding a bike in Salt Lake:
Jen: It seems like there is a pretty decent bike community here. There were tons of bikes at the bars. Cycling could be a way bigger thing here, especially with the wide streets.
Dan: I was surprised to see bike lanes and sharrows and was even more shocked to see a tall bike rider here. On 700 East the road is so big there is no reason there shouldn't be a bike lane down the whole thing. Riding in the Avenues was nice and quiet. Biking here can be a bigger thing than it is, the culture seems ready for it.

How does it compare to riding in Portland?
Jen: It feels super comfortable to ride here when there is a bike lane.
Dan: It feels really open. Being down town in Salt lake at night, there were way less cars than in Portland. It felt really safe.

Advice for new commuters:
Jen: Just try it and see what it can do for you. It is a great way to get around. There are too many good things about it to car about what kind bike you have or what you look like. There is fresh air and you are outside!
Dan: Buy a good lock. Don't get discouraged by the little things, like if you get a flat. There are lots of resources to help you get through those things.

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