Breaking It Down

Adding bike lanes to the city of Orange streets is both economical and simple. By adding lanes only to the cities most heavily trafficked areas, Orange has the ability to turn its streets into a safe, green and economical roadway. After all, bicycles are proven to be the most efficient means of transportation. As a student and commuter to Chapman University, I find that the most difficult and dangerous areas to ride a bicycle in the city of Orange reside around the campus.

Booming with bicycle commuters to both Chapman University and the high schools surrounding the campus, Chapman Ave. continues to grow with cyclists creating an extremely dangerous environment. Bike lanes on Chapman Ave. could help link the Irvine Cycle route that runs along the 57 fwy to the bike route that runs up Santiago Canyon. Creating one long bicycle lane would create a safe backbone that runs through the center of Orange.


Branching off Chapman Ave., Glassell St. is the vertical centerpiece that runs through the city of Orange. For cyclists, riding through the Old Towne Orange circle is one of the most nerve-racking experiences. In the form of an Italian roundabout, this beautiful location is also a cause for disaster when filled with cyclists and drivers. An uncommon street, the roundabout constantly confuses drivers. If they are not paying attention, the one-way street can easily cause an accident between rider and driver. In 2008 there were two cases of cars driving into and through the park that lies in the center of the circle. This is also the location of my own near death experience when a driver failed to stop at a stop sign, causing my bike and I to fall into the middle of the street.