FULLERTON : City Compromises, OKs Bike Lane Paving

The City Council has approved construction of a paved bicycle lane on Valencia Mesa Drive, a compromise decision welcomed by both critics and supporters of the bike lane.

The council’s 3-1 vote Tuesday night authorized paving of a dirt path adjacent to Valencia Mesa currently used by bicyclists and the narrowing of the street itself to allow more bicycle traffic.

Mayor A.B. (Buck) Catlin, and council members Molly McClanahan and Chris Norby supported the compromise. Councilwoman Julie Sa voted against the bike lane, saying she wanted to postpone a decision until residents and city officials could get together to hammer out an alternative proposal.

Councilman Don Bankhead abstained, saying he owned property in the area.

The city had originally proposed a striped bike lane on which automobile parking would have been prohibited. But cars will be allowed to park on the bike lane approved Tuesday night, which will be designated by a white stripe.

Cyclists, city transportation commissioners, the League of Women Voters of North Orange County, the American Assn. of University Women, business people and parents had endorsed the city’s original plan, saying it would have provided a safe route for youths and adults to ride their bicycles.

After the decision, however, many supporters said the council’s action was better than no bike lane.

Valencia Mesa property owners, many of whom had initially fought against a paved bike lane, also applauded the council’s action. They had argued that a bicycle lane would cater to a special interest group, ignoring the horse-back riders, pedestrians, runners, skaters and other people who use the existing unmarked lane on their street.

They said the approved bike lane is better than one separated from the street, which would not accommodate parked cars.