HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0679.034 2022-2024 P/PCPWO
(%)"I I 125
CAW,C79
From: Franz Weber )
Sent: Sunday,January 21, 2024 8:16 AM (:):
To: Council Testimony c...
Subject: Testimony against Bill 125, Policy Committee meetingl/23/24
Aloha Council and Committee members .74
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I assume that the ordinance is supposed to address public safety issues. = y
Unfortunately, it looks like the only approach in this ordinance is prohibiting the use of
public roads, but not offering any solutions to make roads safer.
One way would be, similar to taking a flight, embarking on a cruise, where safety
instructions are being provided to all passengers/attendees, commercial bike tour
operators could be mandated to provide safety instructions. The content of these
instructions could be based on standards available. In addition, the tour operators
could be required to having front lights on the lead bicycle, and rear lights on the last
bicycle, with specific technical details regarding lumen, etc. Those measurements
would help to improve safety.
If the concern is regarding cyclists blocking traffic, consider passing a law similar to
Idaho, where slower traffic participants have to move over to the side, if a specific
number of cars are queuing up behind them. Also, as many states permit, it would
help, if motorists would be allowed to cross a solid white line to pass traffic participants
that move below a certain speed (if it is safe and no oncoming traffic).
If the concern is about the cyclists, the same arguments could be made for any
recreational group of riders, since the general safety concerns (lack of shoulders,
limited line-of-sights, unsafe traffic conditions) would also apply to those riders, any
group of riders.
The two road partitions listed in the ordinance are similar to many other roadways on
this island, regarding line-of-sight and limited shoulder. Here are a few examples:
• Old Mamalahoa Hwy mauka of Kona and between Waimea and Honokaa,
• Napoopoo Road,
• Puuhonua Road, as well as
• several stretches of Hwy 11 around the island.
Consequently, is the intention to restrict commercial bike tours on any and all roads
that have the same conditions, island-wide?
From what I gather, organizations and groups that have experience and involvement
with public bike safety have not been consulted or informed. Here are a few examples:
• PATH has been involved with Safe Routes To School, Complete Streets
implementation, Bike Share, and several other bicycle and pedestrian programs.
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• Hawaii Cycling Club has members that are LCI (League-Certified Safety
Instructors) that could provide input regarding safety.
• During the Phase I and Phase II of the Queen K widening project, LCI were
involved in ensuring cyclist and pedestrian safety, planning, and implementation.
This has helped to make several areas safer for all traffic participants, not just
during the construction, but also after the phases were completed.
• Traffic Safety Committees, which provide advice and allow for public input,
haven't been informed or consulted.
While I appreciate the effort to increase safety and reduce potential conditions, denying
the use of roadways shouldn't be the first and only choice.
Franz Weber
75-5660 Kopiko St.
Ste. C 7, # 106
Kailua-Kona, Hi 96740
(808) 896-6655
FIM2020@outlook.com
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