350 Santa Ana residents attended the Pacific Electric Bike Ride and Festival

Safe Bike Helmets for Santa Ana Residents by Sophin Zoe Pruong-McCreery

“Does that fit okay?” Margaret Macias of St. Joseph Heritage Medical Group asked a young Santa Ana resident. “We can put in some padding… See, that’s much better.” Macias alongside Elena Galvan, are just two of the many dedicated community members lending a hand at the Pacific Electric Bike Ride and Festival on Saturday, July 24 from 10 am -2 pm. Approximately 350 people attended and over 150 bicycle helmets were distributed to Santa Ana residents.

The day began early for Vianey Munguia of the Santa Ana Parks & Recreation Agency. The weather cooperated, staying cool and breezy as she and coworkers set up the Registration table at Thornton Park. Council Member Michele Martinez enthusiastically welcomed more than 50 riders at the site which was the starting point for the 7 mile roundtrip bike ride. Other riders began their journey at Monroe Elementary, the starting point for the shorter 2.5 mile trip.

The Bike Festival destination was located at McFadden Ave. and Maple St. where many hope will be the site of a new pocket park for the City of Santa Ana. At present, the land is just an empty, chain-link fenced, dirt lot. If their wishes come true, this parcel of land could be transformed into a grassy park with shaded benches and a playground. The attendees were encouraged to complete a survey to indicate their preferences. Other options include an urban garden and a water fountain.

The City of Santa Ana hosted the event along with co-sponsor, the South Coast Air Quality Management District. REI-Santa Ana donated 2 mountain bikes, helmets, & other sports merchandise for the raffle drawing. Many partner organizations including OCTA and Taller San Jose, provided booths with free information and promotional giveaways. Some of the activities included free bicycle license registration, bicycle safety check, and trail clean-up. The Bicycle Tree, a non-profit group provided educational information on bicycle and pedestrian safety. They also gave quick lessons on basic bike maintenance.

Over 300 lunches served were generously catered by Lee’s Sandwiches located at Bristol Blvd. and Alton Ave. in Santa Ana.