Turning Costa Mesa into a bike-friendly city

Costa Mesa has been wracked with heated controversy over the development of new bicycle paths in the city — whether they will increase or decrease crime, improve safety and traffic, or simply waste municipal resources.

But, for resident Mike Harris, the issue became personal last year, when both his brother Sean and business partner Dan Bradley were struck by cars — incredibly, within a half hour of one another — while riding their bikes on marked paths throughout the city.

The men eventually recovered from the wrecks, but Harris, emboldened by the incident, started the South Coast Area Bicycle Riders for Education and Safety with Bradley and fellow resident Amy Ninh. The group aims to improve cyclist safety around the city.

Harris’ dream, he says, is to have Costa Mesa celebrated as a bike-friendly community, like Brooklyn or Amsterdam.

“I ride too, and I think that because of the convergence of a few factors — good weather, minimal rain, our very flat city, the green movement, higher gas prices — more and more people are doing their short runs on bikes,” he said. “The convergence of those factors, coupled with the fact that we’re all guilty of messing around on the iPod [or] texting when we’re driving, means that a lot of people don’t really notice you on the road — unless you’re another car.”

That’s why, Harris explained, the group will focus on educating motorists and cyclists on measures they can take to ensure their mutual safety on increasingly busy roads. The group also intends to lobby for the installation of more “Share the Road” signs, bike racks, and a free map to residents outlining “safe” bike paths in the city.

The group hopes to utilize the sponsorship of local businesses as much as possible to cut down on costs to the city, including the sponsorship of bike racks throughout the community, Harris said. Indeed, both Harris and Bradley, co-owners of Detroit Bar, have already installed a rack outside of their establishment.

“We just like to remind everybody to get out on bikes when they can, because it’s a great way to get around the city, stay fit, and it’s good for the environment,” he said.

Those interesting in working with the group are encouraged to contact Mike Harris at [email protected]

CHRIS CAESAR may be reached at (714) 966-4626 or at [email protected].