Ghost Bike Memorializes Cyclist, Serves as Reminder

Newport Beach has long been a popular spot for cyclists, but last week's accident on San Joaquin Hills Road served as a reminder that the streets can be dangerous.

A white bike now marks the spot on San Joaquin Hills Road, near Spyglass Hill Road, where Amine Britel, 41, was killed Monday, Feb. 21, by a suspected drunken driver. The bike is meant to memorialize Britel and remind motorists to be aware of the many cyclists who use the street.

Nancy Gardner, city councilwoman and chairwoman of the city's Citizens Bicycle Safety Committee, called the latest cycling fatality “unfortunate.”

"It's the committee's goals to bring the number of cyclist deaths or serious injuries down and to eventually have no fatalities," Gardner said.

The committee first took action in October 2010 when it prompted the city to place sharrows along Bayside Drive, between El Paseo Drive and Carnation Avenue after the death of three cyclists. Gardner said the committee now has its sights set on Coast Highway, between Begonia Avenue and Hazel Drive.

“It's one of the areas with no bike lane or room for cyclists,” Gardner said. “Although cyclists have the right to use a portion of the road, there is always the risk of having a car door open in front of them. It's all about sharing the road with motorists.”

 Michael William Nine, 43, of Santa Ana, was struck and killed on Spyglass Hill Road in July 2010; Darryl Benefiel, 43, of Newport Beach, was fatally struck on Ridge Park Road in July 2009; and Donald Murphy, 49, of Irvine, died in December 2009 after he was struck on Jamboree Road.

Gardner said the committee is researching different ideas and asking the community for input about additional bike safety measures. In addition to the committee, the Corona del Mar Residents Association's board also recently voted to support the painting of more sharrows.

"[The board] realized the greater good was being served,” board President Karen Tringali said. “We put a stake in the ground and are moving forward on that.”

If the committee decides to propose its next project to the City Council, Gardner said, there would be a study session, and residents will be welcome to attend.

 “It's to our advantage,” she said. “The community usually raises questions so we can have a better look at things.”

In addition to more sharrows, future projects include updating bike maps and trails, bike racks, improved signs and working with the Police Department to review rights of cyclists and motorists.

 “We're keeping the lines of communication open,” Gardner said. “There seems to be an 'us versus them' mentality, but we can overcome that.”

The next Citizens Bicycle Safety Committee  is scheduled for Monday, March 7, at the Newport Beach Public Library.