(Backdated to archive in the CABO blog)

We need your help. Clubs and individuals are requested to send your letters and faxes to the Dana Point City Council before the next meeting on September 13. The following is a sample letter. We will also need cyclists to attend the Dana Point City Council meeting. Watch this space for more information on the September 13 City Council meeting.

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Mayor Anderson and the City Council

City of Dana Point

33282 Golden Lantern

Dana Point, CA 92629

Sent via facsimile to 949-248-9920

SUBJECT: Restrictions to Bicyclists on Coast Highway

Dear Mayor Anderson and the City Council:

[Insert short paragraph about your club here.]

Recent collisions between motorists and bicyclists or pedestrians on this stretch of Coast Highway have received much attention. We appreciate that the City Council is addressing this issue. But requiring bicyclists to use a 10-foot wide path shared with pedestrians will expose bicyclists to more risk compared to the roadway with a 6’ shoulder. While we do not oppose having a separate path on Coast Highway, its use by bicyclists should be optional and not mandatory.

Furthermore, we support the efforts of the Orange County Bicycle Coalition (OCBC) and the California Association of Bicycling Organizations (CABO), who feel the roadway ban is illegal and have indicated they may take legal action if necessary.

We urge you to amend Chapter 12.18 of the Municipal Code to remove bicyclists from the users prohibited from both the roadway and shoulder portions of Coast Highway between Palisades Drive and Camino Capistrano.