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How safe is biking, walking in Costa Mesa? New panel will assess issues

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The Costa Mesa City Council this week approved the creation of a committee that will evaluate conditions for people who walk and bike in the city.

The Bikeway and Walkability Committee was approved on a 4-0 vote Tuesday with Mayor Pro Tem Jim Righeimer absent.

The panel of 15 members will help update Costa Mesa’s master plan of bikeways by providing recommendations to the council.

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City Hall will be accepting applications later this month. Committee appointments are scheduled for April 7.

Councilwoman Katrina Foley, who suggested creating the committee, noted that an informal volunteer group has already been addressing walking and bicycling issues, but it could use City Hall’s help and resources.

“I thought this would be a good time for us to form a formal committee,” she said.

Public Services Director Ernesto Munoz said the volunteer group, made up of about 20 people, has been providing information on the Internet and in emails.

“They have a great ideas, a lot of vision,” he said.

Councilwoman Sandy Genis said she has been riding her bike less often because on Costa Mesa streets “you feel like you’re taking your life in your hands.”

She cited three times recently when she felt that she had come close to being hit by a car.

“We really need to enhance pedestrian safety,” Genis said.

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