As shown by the Orange County Transportation (OCTA) graphic found below, May is Bike Month or Bike Smart, Bike Safe month. Some of these Bike Month-related events have already occurred, but there are still two important events that you can attend: the Ride of Silence and Bike Safety Boot Camp. Both of these events have Irvine connections. 

The Ride of Silence starts in North America (including Irvine, Fullerton, and San Clemente) and will continue across the world. This silent procession will honor cyclists who have been killed or injured while riding on public roads. "Although cyclists have a legal right to share the road with motorists, the motoring public often isn't aware of these rights, and sometimes not aware of the cyclists themselves."

Cyclists who ride in this silent procession are asked to wear reflective and highly visible clothing. They are also asked to wear a black armband in remembrance of those cyclists who have been killed or a red armband if the cyclist has been injured by a motorist while riding their bikes on public roads.

When: May 21, 2014

Where: Irvine, Fullerton, or San Clemente
Irvine Civic Center by the flag poles in front of the Police Department, meet at 6:00 pm, assembly at 6:30 pm, ride begins at 7 pm; Fullerton Museum Center Plaza / E. Wilshire, meet at 6:30 pm, ride begins at 7 pm; San Clemente Urban Bicycle Outfitters, 1900 N El Camino Real, meet at 6:30 pm, ride begins at 7 pm

More Information: Ride of Silence

The Bike Safety Camp "is designed to provide Irvine residents with the tools and information needed to ride their bike safely. Various vendors will provide safety education, raffle prizes, tune-ups, etc. OCTA will participate as a vendor and will promote bike safety information and Bike Month."

Where: Pavilion Park, 194 Compass, Irvine 92618

When: Saturday, May 24, 2014

Time: 10 am to 2 pm

More Information: Outreach/BikeSafety Camp

Note: A U.S Census Bureau report states that bike commuting is growing faster than any other type of transportation. "The total number of bike commuters in the U.S. increased from about 488,000 in 2000 to about 786,000 during the period from 2008 to 2012, a larger percentage increase than that of any other commuting mode." This means that the need for bicycle safety awareness by bicyclist and motorists is also increasing.

Other posts about bicycling in Irvine:
Bicycling Trails in Irvine and Orange County
Workshop on Bicycling Safety in Orange County

Open House Review: 214 Springview, Irvine CA 92620

May 12, 2014 by Joy

Today I am reviewing a spacious 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom condominium in Irvine Springs. It is an upstairs end unit in excellent condition. The home faces Park Place, but there is minimal traffic, especially with the community located at the end of a dead-end street.

Asking Price: $270,000
Bedrooms: 1
Bathrooms: 1
Square Footage: 639
Lot Size: 1,002
$/Sq Ft: $423
Days on Market: 13
Property Type: Condominium – Irvine Springs
Year Built: 1977
Community: Northwood –
HOA Fees: $278/month

There are no Mello Roos taxes.

With one covered carport space, visitors can park in visitor designated spots, or off the street in front of the community. Once upstairs, the entrance is located to the right. It overlooks plants and out to Park Place. The windows are original, but the rest of the home has been completely remodeled and is in excellent condition.

Upon entering the home, the living room has high ceilings and a ceiling fan. It is a light and bright area with a sliding glass door and additional natural light shining in from the kitchen windows. The wall separating the living room from the kitchen has been partially opened up, creating an open and social feel. The floor is black polished tile and the walls are cleanly painted in neutral tones. Built-in speakers have been installed.

To the right is the sliding glass door leading out the balcony. The balcony has a built-in single seat and a couple of lower cabinets. There is enough room to have a couple of chairs outside.

The kitchen sits behind the living room. It has been upgraded with light granite flooring and black granite countertops. To the right is an L-shaped area consisting of a black dishwasher, double sink, stainless steel range and microwave hood vent and space for a refrigerator. There is only one full cupboard on that side of the kitchen, but there is enough counter space to prepare food. However, to the left of the kitchen entrance is a built-in peninsula coming diagonally from the corner. There is additional storage space in the peninsula. This provides for an eating area as well. The only downfall of the kitchen is the lack of a pantry and extra upper cupboards.

A large opening leads you from the living room into the bathroom and bedroom area. The vanity area is visible from the living room. It might have been nice if there was a privacy door to separate the areas, but it is nicely remodeled. The bathroom area has light travertine floors, built-in cabinets to the right of the vanity with space for a washer/dryer combo. Once in the bathroom area, the bedroom is to the right. Sliding fogged glass doors can be closed for privacy. The bedroom has bamboo flooring, a ceiling fan and mirrored closets on each side of the bedroom window.

Another closet can be found in the bathroom area on the wall opposite from the bedroom doors. It sits at the end of the upgraded vanity. The vanity has wood cabinets and travertine counter-tops. There is a modern single glass sink. On the opposite wall from the sink, is a fogged heavy glass door leading into the tub/shower combo. It has a new jacuzzi tub and tile surround.

If you are looking for a one bedroom area in Northwood, this is a nicely remodeled home. The Community has streams, pools and tennis courts.