New Bike Committee May Roll Into Town

Cyclists have been waiting for the Newport Beach bike safety committee to get back to work, but a city official says a new group may be formed instead.

The bike safety committee typically met on the first Monday of every month, but there will not be a meeting next week because its term ended in January. Brad Sommers, the city's senior civil engineer, said bike safety conversations have still been happening and the City Council will be considering the formation of a Bicycle Master Plan Oversight Committee on March 12.

"The goal of this committee will be to provide guidance and a public forum for the development of a comprehensive, citywide Bicycle Master Plan," Sommers said in an email. 

If approved, the committee would be made up of seven community members and Councilman Tony Petros, who was selected as chairman, when the bike safety committee expired. 

Sommers says the Bicycle Master Plan will promote cycling, improve facilities and balance the needs of all roadway users in Newport Beach.