Boston has a worse reputation than it deserves.
I would agree with this. I grew up riding in and around Boston years ago - I could get almost anyplace within the metro area faster by bike than by car - while riding safely.
I've lived in Seattle for the last 15 years. Seattle is generally a good place to ride as well. The drivers tend to be much less agressive, but also much more clueless and unpredictable...
We have a Bicycle Master Plan being implemented now with wildly variable success - most bike lanes and sharrows are being poorly implemented in door zones. I remain cautiously optimistic that these problems will ultimately be addressed.
There are a number of MUPs here, that vary from excellent to barely useable depending on the time of day and the weather...