Bike-friendly plans on Newport council agenda shortly after cyclist’s death

The Newport Beach City Council is scheduled Tuesday to discuss an update of Balboa Village improvement plans and adopt the city’s 2014 Bicycle Master Plan.

According to a staff report, the Balboa Village Design Guidelines were adopted in 2002 and should be updated to be more user-friendly. A new version of the guidelines also should include examples of potential building facade improvements, the report says.

The resolution up for a vote Tuesday night also will lay out plans to improve streetscapes and directional signs in the area.

The Bicycle Master Plan aims to explore ways to make the city more bike-friendly.

The move comes on the heels of the death Oct. 19 of a cyclist who was biking on East Coast Highway when he was struck by a vehicle and fatally injured. The driver, who authorities say was driving drunk, has been charged with murder in the case.

Also on Tuesday’s agenda are a second reading of an ordinance that would allow A-frame signs in Corona del Mar, and a vote to give historical designation to the Goldenrod Avenue footbridge.

The council is set to meet at 5 p.m. for a study session, during which staff will present conceptual plans for a Balboa Village Fine Arts Center.

The regular meeting will start at 7 p.m. at 100 Civic Center Drive.