Hawaii Bicycling League

  • About
  • Advocacy
  • Education
    • BikeEd
    • Bike Laws
    • Bike Map
    • Cycling Workshops
    • Cycling Presentations
    • More Education
  • Events
    • Hawaii Ride of the Century
    • Honolulu Century Ride
    • Haleiwa Metric Century
    • Zach’s Ride in Paradise
    • Group Ride Calendar
    • Other Events
  • Resources
  • Shop
  • Join
  • Donate

Archives for August 2019

Advocacy Alert – Protect Public Bikeshare

Biki has changed Honolulu – it’s gotten thousands of new people cycling and made bicycles a part of our public transportation system. This is all possible because of City support for the non-profit Bikeshare Hawaii. Resolution 19-204 aims to abandon the City’s support for public bikeshare and to start charging Biki for stations of City land.

Join HBL in saying that Biki is an important part of our transportation system & deserves City support!

Testify by Tuesday September 3rd

1. Go to www.honolulu.gov/ccl-testimony-form.html?view=form
2. Select — Council/PH Committee – Council/Public Hearing;  Agenda Item – Resolution 19-204;  Your position on the matter – OPPOSE;  Representing – Self;  Written testimony – speak in your own words, those are the most powerful. Feel free to use the points below as a guide.
3. Submit

***Step up your impact by coming out to testify at the hearing in person. It’s at Honolulu Hale (530 S King St) this WED 9/4/19 10:00am.***


Why Oppose Resolution 19-204

Bikeshare is Public Transportation & Public Transportation Warrants Public Support
HBL strongly supported the establishment of public bikeshare, as it would make cycling part of Oahu’s public transportation system and get many more people biking. Now, someone without a bike (or without their bike with them) can easily choose to bike and this is getting more people on two-wheels.

Just as with TheBus, public transportation is a public benefit that needs public investment. Public bikeshare is no different. From Washington DC to Minneapolis to San Francisco, docked public bikeshare systems rely on public support. Just like we don’t charge TheBus for bus stops, we shouldn’t charge Biki for stations. And if you think dockless bikeshare private companies would be glad to swoop in to provide a great public bikeshare system, think again – the private dockless bikeshare industry has collapsed across the US and the cities that relied on it have been left with NO bikeshare.
 
Charging Biki will Result in Less Public Bikeshare
In October, Bikeshare Hawaii expanded Biki by 30 stations and 300 bikes to service UH Manoa, KCC, Makiki, and Iwilei. The expansion brought public bikeshare to thousands of additional residents and connected key resident destinations including Hawaii’s largest university. Bikeshare Hawaii spent over $450,000 to make the expansion possible. If the City charges Bikeshare Hawaii for space for stations, that means less or NO money to expand and spread the benefits of public bikeshare. This could put a halt to all future expansions. HBL wants to see the benefits of public bikeshare spread to communities like Kalihi, Kaimuki, and eventually beyond to Kapolei and throughout the island – BUT we’re going to need public support to get there. 
 
Treating Public Bikeshare Like a Business Will Push Bikeshare Hawaii to Act Like a Business, Which Will be Bad for Residents
Imagine if Biki only serviced Waikiki and was nothing but a tourist amenity – that’s what bikeshare would look like if it were just a business. Fortunately, Biki is run by the non-profit Bikeshare Hawaii, whose mission it is to bring public bikeshare and grow bicycling to residents and visitors. This means Biki does things that a normal business wouldn’t do. A normal business would focus on the highest demand areas where tourists happily pay the $4.00 walk up rate, as this is where the profits would be greatest. Instead, Biki also services our neighborhoods like McCully/Moiliili and Makiki and important destinations for residents like UH Manoa and office places where most Biki users are on the $15/month unlimited ride plan and the profits are minimal to non-existent. We need the City to continue to partner with Biki to ensure that public bikeshare benefits the people of Oahu.
 

“Inexpensive helmets for large eastern heads”


by HBL Member, Anthony Chang

First row: Left to right: Giant Compel helmet + 2 Giro Bronte helmets Second row: All Specialized helmets


After a 14 year break, I started bicycling again in May. The most challenging aspect so far has not been relearning how to ride a bike or even the challenges that come with navigating the roads of Oahu… its been a finding a helmet that will fit my size Extra Large eastern shaped head. I found out many helmets are built for western shaped heads, which tend to be more oval, going from forehead to back of head circumference wise, versus Asian heads, which tend to be more sphere like,  closer to perfect circles. This might not be a problem if you have a smaller head, but unfortunately measurement wise, my head has a 62cm circumference, 63cm so its not too tight, putting me into Extra Large helmet size range. As a commuter bicyclist and someone who just likes to be color coordinated, I wanted to get helmets that would match my various collared shirts and t-shirts, so I wanted to get multiple but without spending a lot of money. Since I’ve tried and purchased 3 helmets (brand, model name), Giant Compel, Giro Bronte, and Specialized Align. All three helmets look great and have 20+ vents to help your head breathe. My least favorite is the Giant Compel. It can squeeze the temple if not adjusted, making it uncomfortable, especially for longer rides, probably built more for western shaped heads. To date I have only worn it for 10 minute or less bike rides. The nice part, besides the way it looks, it has an option to add a light to back of the helmet (around $35), which attaches via magnet. It has 4 different modes of on, a fast strobe, slower strobe, or constantly on and only needs to be recharged after 3 to 4 hours of use I’ve been told the light dims over time. Locally, the Giant Compel can be bought at McCully Bike for around $30 + tax.

My second favorite is the Giro Bronte. It’s very comfortable to wear. While the chin strap is very soft, the clips slide off it too often for my liking. Locally, the Giro Bronte can be bought at McCully Bike for around $35 + tax. You can get a MIPS option online for $45-$50.

All Specialized Helmets

My favorite has been the Specialized Align. I felt it was the most comfortable helmet, even before I read it was signed after a version that was released in Japan. The chin strap stays in place, with the clips never moving. The back of the helmet has three reflector strips, so light should reflect if shined on the back of your head. I just also like the way they look the bests, from the side the more triangular shape evokes speed. Locally you can purchase these at the Bike Shop for $40, with MIPS option at the
store or online for $60 each. 

 

*This article was prepared by Anthony Chang in his personal capacity. The opinions expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not reflect the view of the Hawaii Bicycling League.

Name in the News: Daniel Alexander

Article published in Star Advertiser 8/23/19, link to original article – https://www.staradvertiser.com/2019/08/23/editorial/name-in-the-news/daniel-alexander-hawaii-bicycling-leagues-co-director-wants-to-make-the-streets-safer-for-bike-riders/

 

Two months ago, Gov. David Ige signed into law a bill requiring the Hawaii Department of Transportation and county counterparts to adopt a “Vision Zero” policy to prevent and ultimately eliminate traffic fatalities through a combination of engineering, enforcement, education and emergency response strategies with a focus on equity.

Initiated by the Swedish Parliament in the late 1990s, the approach has been embraced by several U.S. metros — from San Francisco to New York. The Hawaii Bicycling League (HBL) supported the Hawaii bill, noting in testimony that last year there were 117 traffic deaths statewide.

This year’s deaths, through early August, included 27 motor vehicle fatalities; 26, pedestrian; 14, motorcycle and moped; and one bicycle. The overall count nearly matches last year’s during the same period.

Daniel Alexander, who serves as HBL’s co-director/advocacy planning and communication director, maintains that the most effective way to make our streets safer starts with slow speed limits; providing dedicated spaces for walkers and bicyclists; and clarity in intersection layout — so all involved know how to safely navigate the space.

“Roadway design is key. Make it intuitive and easy for people to walk, bike and drive safely,” said Alexander, who commutes by bike to the nonprofit’s Kaimuki office. He’s among 2% of Honolulu residents using a bike as their primary way of commuting. The Bicycling League asserts that the numbers are growing.

A California native, Alexander moved to Kauai while in high school. He went on to study at the University of Hawaii at Manoa, earning a master’s degree in urban and regional planning. In 2008, while a UH student, he founded Cycle Manoa, a volunteer group dedicated to promoting cycling on campus and elsewhere.

Founded in the mid-1970s, HBL aims to enable more people to bicycle for health, recreation and transportation. Its nearly 1,900 members help shape the group’s advocacy as well as education-related offerings and events.

Describing his Bicycling League work as a “dream” job, Alexander said: “I can’t say how happy I am that I get to spend every day working to make our community more bicycle-friendly and our streets safe for all.”

Question: What recent projects on Oahu are well-aligned with Vision Zero?

Answer:Two projects that exemplify this policy are: 1) the restriping of Kamehameha Highway through Kipapa Gulch, which added shoulders and a center median that dramatically improved safety for people bicycling, walking and driving; and 2) installation of raised pedestrian crossings on Kalihi Street, Farrington Highway and Fort Weaver Road, which also dramatically improved safety.

Q: How can more people be encouraged/incentivized to get out of their cars, to ride bikes instead?

A: A network of dedicated bikeways — protected bike lanes and multi-use paths — that will allow everyone to feel safe and comfortable biking. Surveys have found that a majority of people (upwards of 2 in 3) are interested in cycling, but need more to feel safe. A network of bikeways is key to getting this “interested-but-concerned” majority riding.

Education is also important. You’d be surprised how much safer you feel riding on our streets after going through one of our free Bicycle Basics workshops (HBL.org/workshops). Also, route planning is crucial. Our Oahu Bike Map is designed to help people figure out the safest route using bikeways and lower-stress neighborhood streets.

The No. 1 tip to people driving is: Always look for bicyclists before making any turn. A large portion of crashes occur in intersections.

Q: The Bicycling League’s top priorities in advocacy?

A: Our focus is on pushing for changes to our streets — more bikeways, more walkways, safer crossings, and lower speeds. … Three big advocacy priorities: Complete Streets, Minimum Grid, and Vision Zero.

Complete Streets is a city (2012) and state (2009) law that says that our streets must accommodate all users. This is critical as people walking and biking were often forgotten when many of our streets were initially built.

Minimum Grid is our campaign for a network of bikeways, particularly protected bikeways, that connect residents to places they need to go. This is key to getting the “interested-but-concerned” people riding. Two big projects advancing this are the soon-to-be-realized Leeward Bikeway and Pensacola Street protected bike lanes.

Vision Zero is a policy declaration that people dying on our roads is unacceptable and that our goal is zero traffic deaths. It’s something everyone can get behind. As of this summer, it’s a statewide policy.

Now we need to make sure actions are taken. Some are going to be controversial, like Red Light Safety Cameras to address dangerous intersections, and traffic-calming to reduce speeding. If we get around safety as everyone’s top priority, then, hopefully, we can embrace the needed solutions.

Q: Back in 2014, the launch of the King Street cycle track generated a lot of community debate about whether bicycles should share the pavement with motorists on a busy street. How’s that effort working out?

A: The King Street protected bike lane has led to a more than doubling of people cycling and brought people riding on the sidewalk to nearly zero. I know from talking to many people that it has allowed them to feel safe enough to bicycle-commute. … Pedestrian injuries have also dropped on the street. So I would say it’s been a great success.

The key is that we build off it so that people can get where they need to go. The South Street protected bike lane, which saw cycling go up by nearly fourfold, and McCully Street bike lanes were important steps in this direction. Also, the city has several bikeways planned: Pensacola Street, Ward Avenue, Punchbowl Street, Bishop Street and the extension of King Street into downtown. They will connect more people and really grow the number of people biking.

Q: The city’s “Oahu Bike Plan” aims to make the island “bicycle friendly.” How does our progress rate?

A: The League of American Bicyclists has awarded Honolulu a Bicycle Friendly City: Bronze level. This means the city has taken some big steps to become bicycle-friendly, but that we have a long way to go (platinum is the highest level).

Q: Last summer, a new state law was enacted that requires motorists to give bicyclists a 3-foot buffer. Thoughts?

A:We’re definitely working to get the message out on this 2018 law, which requires a motorist give at least 3 feet of space when overtaking a bicyclist. This is really important because it’s one of the biggest things someone driving can do to help keep those bicycling safe — a national study found 44% of bicyclist fatalities resulted from being struck from behind or sideswiped. So please give at least 3 feet!

We’ve been spreading the word with a bumper sticker and cycling jersey that has the message. The next big step is a public service announcement, which we’re working on now.

Q: Biki has been operational in Hono­lulu for two years now. Thoughts on the docked bike-share industry?

A: Biki has really been a deal-changer in Honolulu — nearly 4,000 rides occurring every day! HBL was a leading voice pushing for a public bike-share system, as we knew that it would make cycling more accessible and get more people riding. The recent expansion to UH-Manoa, Makiki and Iwilei has shown the benefits in growing the system and we hope it’ll expand further in coming years to Kalihi, Kaimuki, and eventually beyond to Kapolei and throughout the island.

We provide our Bicycling Basics free workshop on Biki bikes.

Q: What do you enjoy most (and least) about bicycling?

A: Most of the cycling I do is commuting. Like many people, my busy schedule leaves me with little time for fun recreation rides, but by using a bike for almost all my commuting I’m able to get exercise every day and plenty of doses of the joy bicycling brings. Additionally, I love not worrying about parking and that I can predict my travel time within a couple minutes.

My least favorite part of riding is from the end of the King Street protected bike lane to the Waialae Avenue bike lane (or vice versa) that I ride daily. It’s definitely not bike friendly, but riding it reminds me of how much work we still need to do to become truly bicycle friendly and also the big steps that have been made in recent years.

HBL Mountain Bike + Hike Adventure at Camp Pālehua

We would like to invite YOU to join us for an Adventure at Camp Pālehua! HBL staff, board members, and super dedicated volunteers will be getting together for a fun day of mountain biking, hiking, and potluck lunch. We hope you will join in the fun!

Date: Saturday, August 24
Location: Camp Pālehua – 1 Pālehua Rd, Kapolei, HI 96707
Time: 10:30am – Meet at Camp Pālehua, 1:00pm – Potluck Lunch, 3:00pm – Pau
Adventure: Choice of mountain biking the Gill ‘Ewa Lands new mountain bike trails or join the guided hike visiting cultural site and experiencing magnificent views.

Mountain Bike Participants need to provide their own bike. Helmet required.

Bike Rental: The Bike Shop is offering 20% off mountain bike rentals.
(your initial booking fee will be 100% – with the 20% refunded to your card after)
Book here: https://www.bikeshophawaii.com/articles/bike-rentals-pg70.htm

For those who need their bike transported to Camp, HBL will be transporting bikes from The Bike Shop on King St, to Camp, and back the day of the ride. Email: Events@HBL.org to coordinate your bike transportation.

Potluck Lunch: After we have worked up a nice appetite, we will be grilling at the Camp Pavilion and talking story. Please sign up your yummy dish here: Potluck Sign Up

Camp Pālehua: (formerly Camp Timberline) is part of 1,600 acres of conservation and agricultural land owned by Gill ‘Ewa Lands, LLC (GEL). Perched on the southern slopes of the Wai‘anae mountains, nestled in a forest with commanding views of the southern and western coastline of O‘ahu, GEL is committed to protecting the natural environment and cultural sites and restoring the native forest.

Important: Car Pooling is encouraged as well as combining into fewer cars at the Pālehua Road Gate.
Questions or Comments: please email Events@HBL.org

RSVP (below) by Fri. 8/16

Mountain Bike & Hike Adventure at Camp Pālehua
RSVP for the 8/24 Event: *
What adventure? *
For those that chose the Mountain Bike adventure:
Please use a current email that you check, we will be emailing you info about the event.
Waiver & Indemnity Agreement. I understand, agree and represent (for myself, assigns, heirs, personal representatives, and next of kin) that: (a) The Activities will be on off-road, unpaved trails, where many hazards can be expected. I can be seriously injured, permanently disabled, paralyzed, or die. I will read, listen and follow safety instructions and warnings on the course. (b) I am qualified, in good health and proper physical condition to participate. I am personally responsible and will use my own judgment for my safety. If conditions are unsafe I will immediately stop participating. I accept and assume the risk of injury caused by me, the negligence of others, the course and conditions, including risks and social/economic losses not known or readily foreseeable at this time. (c) I release, discharge, and agree not to sue HBL employees, directors, members, volunteers, participants, owners/lessors/lessees/ licensees of land where the Activities take place (Releasees). If a claim involves me, I will indemnify, save and hold harmless each of the Releasees from litigation expenses, attorney fees, loss, liability, damage, or costs. (d) I give free use of my name, voice, or picture in any broadcast, advertising, or other account of this event. (e) I will wear a buckled helmet, use front and rear lights wen riding, and my bicycle will be in well-functioning condition. (f) I have read and understand that I have given up substantial rights by signing this agreement.

Mahalo and looking forward to seeing you there!

Join or RenewDonate Now Get Email Updates Business Support Get Involved

News & Articles

O‘AHU HILL CLIMB CHALLENGE 2021

Free Adult Workshops & Education: Oct. & Nov. 2020

October 2020 Advocacy Updates​

More News...

Upcoming Events

There are no upcoming events.

Calendar of Ride and Events ...

Instagram

This error message is only visible to WordPress admins

Error: No posts found.

Make sure this account has posts available on instagram.com.

Quick Links

  • Home
  • Maui Bicycling League
  • Oahu Bike Map
  • Honolulu Century Ride
  • Haleiwa Metric Century Ride
  • Volunteer
  • Annual Membership
  • Site Map
social-icons-facebook social-icons-twitter social-icons-youtube2 social-icons-instagram social-icons-strava

Search

HBL Blog Topics

  • News
  • Headline Events

Meta

  • Register
  • Log in
  • Entries feed
  • Comments feed
  • WordPress.org
hawaii-bicycling-league-logo

3442 Waialae Avenue, Suite 1
Honolulu, Hawaii 96816
Telephone: 808-735-5756
bicycle@hbl.org

HBL’s Mission:

To enable more people to ride bicycles for health, recreation, and transportation through advocacy, education, and events.

Copyright © 2021 All Rights Reserved Hawaii Bicycling League | Terms and Conditions | Site Design by HotPixels.com