HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0843.010 2020-2022 coAg.
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C01111UNITY IF
1011 AN 30 AM 1& 26 June 30, 2022
Dear Honorable County Council,
I'm writing in support of including bike lanes in the repaving of Waianuenue Avenue
between Hilo Union School and the Kaumana Drive junction. We know the traffic
patterns very well because we live close to this intersection. This stretch of road
receives heavy traffic, making it one of the most critical thruways in Hilo. It is important
for us to seek the best design for this road while we have the opportunity to do so; and
the best design should make the road safer for all.
This section of Waianuenue Avenue is used heavily and regularly by bicyclists, walkers
and drivers. Hundreds of children walk and bike Waianuenue Ave to get from school to
home. Our son and many of the neighborhood kids love to bike around the area and we
worry for their safety because there are no dedicated bike lanes.
One rationale that I've heard for not including bike lanes is because doing so would
interfere with motorists' mobility and speed, and make roadways more dangerous for all.
However, one of the a"lost cor p�ejjg,r , 6i�v stu6es to date found that "bicycling
infrastructure is significantly associated with fewer fatalities and better road-safety
outcomes." In other words, adding bike lanes would make the road safer for our
community. Importantly, making these improvements to the existing design is both
feasible and cost effective.
Mahalo nui for your leadership and support,
Lisa Huynh Eller
Comm. No.
Ref.