Minimum Grid HNL will make cycling safe, convenient, and accessible.
Minimum Grid HNL means
• A network of protected bikeways (protected bike lanes or bike paths) within a half-mile of everyone in Honolulu and one mile of everyone in urbanized Oahu.
• A network of bike lanes and low-speed neighborhood streets to get people to the protected bikeway network.
Protected bike lanes have a physical barrier that protects bicyclists from motorized traffic. (Photo of Vancouver BC)
Bike paths are separated from motorized traffic and provide for bicycling and other non-motorized travel. (Photo of Rotterdam)
Minimum Grid HNL 2020 Vision
• 20 miles of new protected bike lanes by 2020
• 20 miles of new bike lanes by 2020
Why we need the Minimum Grid HNL
Safe Transportation Option
Many people want to bicycle, but lack of infrastructure and dangerous roads are holding them back. National surveys have found around two-thirds of people would like to bicycle more, but need bikeways protected from cars to feel comfortable cycling. HBL’s survey of bicyclists and potential bicyclists on Oahu found that 77% preferred protected bike lanes or bike paths.
Congestion & Parking
Bicycles take up less space. For many, bicycling can be a convenient transportation option – this will get cars off the road and reduce demand for parking. And parking costs big money. A single structure parking space costs $50,000 to construct, translating to an average $91,000 over the life of a mortgage.
Healthier, Happier Lives
Most people want to be able to bike more, which can lead to dramatically improved health. For our keiki, biking and walking to school has even been shown to improve concentration and learning. For our kupuna, biking can be a great source of low-impact exercise and key to staying mentally alert.
The Environment
Getting around by bike requires zero fossil fuels and creates zero pollution. Ground transportation accounts for over ⅓ of all the energy used in Hawaii. Getting on bikes will help reduce our dependence of imported fossil fuels and do our part to stop global warming.
Multi-Modal Transportation
We’re investing big in our rail system. Bikes will double the amount of people in reach of a station. 240,000 live within walking distance of a rail station (1 mile) and 520,000 live within biking distance of a rail station (3 miles).
Oahu Residents Want It
In a 2006, a resounding 76% of voters said that it should be a priority to make Honolulu a pedestrian and bicycle-friendly city. A 2015 Star Advertiser survey found 66% of respondents supported adding more bikeways.
What you can do to support the Minimum Grid HNL
Be Counted
Add your name to the list of Minimum Grid HNL supporters. Sign it here.
Speak Up
Contact the Mayor, Governor, your councilmember, and your legislators and tell them you want the Minimum Grid HNL.
Be specific, say you want 20 miles of new protected bike lanes and 20 miles of new bike lanes by 2020.
Spread It
Tell your friends, neighbors, family, random strangers, everybody about the Minimum Grid HNL.
In the social media world, tag it #MinGridHNL
Wear It
Get your Minimum Grid HNL bracelet today and wear it to show your support.
We’ll have these available soon. If you added your name as a supporter,
we’ll contact you when they’re available.
Join HBL
HBL is leading the charge for the Minimum Grid HNL.
Our members give us strength and financial support for our work.
Several big Thank You’s are owed. Gil Penalosa and Cycle Toronto for pioneering the Minimum Grid concept and supporting it’s spread to HI. Sudokrew and Umi for the sweet Minimum Grid HNL graphic.
