When people think of bike friendly cities and regions, Orange County is not usually at the top of the list. Despite the deeply entrenched car culture and suburban sprawl, rising gas prices and increasing traffic congestion is making bicycle commuting an ideal way to get around locally in certain OC neighborhoods. There are also lots of on- and off-road trails for those who like cycling for fitness.
A Word of Caution
While a few cities such as Huntington Beach and Irvine have been recognized for their efforts to facilitate and encourage bicycle commuting, many Orange Counties cities such as Fullerton and Placentia are considered hostile to by the Orange County Bicycle Coalition.
There is some ongoing conflict among drivers of motor vehicles and cyclists. Cyclists say drivers rage and yell at them to get out of the road. Drivers say cyclists are reckless, slow down traffic and ignore traffic laws. As a general rule, commuting bicyclists are safest when they act. and are treated, like part of regular vehicle traffic. While some would suggest that riding on the sidewalk is safest, this is dangerous and illegal in many cities. Bicycle advocates encourage bicyclists to ride in the roadways, with the flow of traffic.
Bicycle Friendly OC Cities
Huntington Beach and Irvine have been recognized by the League of American Bicyclists as bicycle friendly cities for their infrastructure and encouragement of bicycle commuting. Both cities are gridded with bike paths on most major roadways and provide educational programs. While some would still argue that bicycling in these cities is still a safety hazard for the cyclist, it should be noted that bicyclists who ride defensively and obey the rules of the road decrease their risk of traffic related accidents significantly.
Costa Mesa is another OC city that seems to be making strides toward becoming more bike friendly. Costa Mesa has built a significant bicycle infrastructure on most major roadways and bicycle commuting is becoming a favorite for many of the city residents. Since the city is relatively small, a bicycle is a great way to get around town locally and get some exercise at the same time. There is a bicycle licensing mandate for those "residing in the city of Costa Mesa..." but licensing is a free service offered by the local police department and fire houses.
Bike Paths and Trails
Orange County might not be the home of California's most bicycle friendly cities, but there are more than 1000-miles of on- and off-road bicycle paths throughout the county, with plans for more on the way. Some favorites include the 15-mile trail that runs parallel to Pacific Coast Hwy, from Sunset to Newport Beach and the 26-mile Santa Ana River trail. Visit the Orange County Transportation Authority for a comprehensive map of Orange County bikeways. You can find additional information on OC bike trails here and here.
