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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0679.081 2022-2024 p / Council IN 125 HAWAI`I "'.c� • � ADDRESS PHONE EMAIL BI_`CYCLING ,7`. 3442 Wai`alae Ave.,Suite 1 808-735-5756 bicycle@HBL.org ' iLEAGUE „� , Honolulu,HI 96816 •IFJ�l- June 3, 2024 World Bicycle Day (-3 Q:C) c(op Official Testimony Bill 125, Draft 4- Relating to Commercial Bicycle Tours `- To the Hawaii County Council L, c)-: STRONG OPPOSITION ' 3 Aloha Chair Kimball and members of the Hawai'i County Council, The Hawaii Bicycling League is strongly opposed to the intent and potential negative impacts of Bill 125, Draft 4. The draft legislation fails to cite any data that correlates improved road safety with the prohibition of bicycle tours on certain state and county roadways nor indicate what, if any, current safety threats have been documented in the public record. This bill is based on a flawed premise that such a prohibition would have a measurable increase in public safety. People riding bicycles have the same rights to the road as people driving vehicles across Hawaii. If a roadway has "limited lines-of-sight and a lack of passable shoulders" as noted in the bill, the most equitable and effective solution would be to improve road signage, reduce speed limits and conduct more education about everyone's responsibility to share the road safely. These are proven measures to increase public safety. This bill unfairly restricts people riding bicycles and certain tour operators, even though all the data indicates that it is people driving automobiles which are the primary threat to public safety on roadways island-wide. On May 24, 2024 the Hawaii Police Department issued a media release noting a "100% increase in traffic fatalities in 2024 with 18 traffic fatalities thus far in 2024." It further noted that "impaired driving continues to be a problem on our island highways. In recent years drug impairment has been a factor in 50 percent of Hawaii Island traffic fatalities with 38 of the 76 traffic deaths in 2021 through 2023 due to drug impairment. People riding bicycles and bicycle tour operators are not a threat that needs to be legislated against. Instead, we need to work together to realize Hawai'i Island's Vision Zero Plan. It is noteworthy that bicycle tourism aligns with the goals and objectives of Hawaii Island's Destination Management Action Plan (DMAP). This is because bicycling and bicycle tourism is a sustainable and • regenerative practice that minimizes impacts on our environment and provides unique experiences that strengthen Hawaii Island's product offerings. Specifically, Action 1.1 of the DMAP calls for cohesive infrastructure planning to address community and industry needs, such as incorporating plans to widen bike paths in tandem with other necessary road repairs. Adopting Bill 125, Draft 4 would send a terrible message that Hawaii County Council is more concerned about the convenience of a few vehicle drivers than in supporting regular physical activity such as walking or cycling. Ref.Comm. 10 , dull 1;111%11 Ref.Date '11I' " GWIlY Bicycling and bicycle tourism is not just good for Hawaii Island. It is good for the planet and key to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Monday, June 3 is designated World Bicycle Day to draw attention to the benefits of using the bicycle—a simple, affordable, clean and environmentally fit means of transportation. Respectfully, ra J,s Ouse Travis Counsel) Executive Director About Hawaii Bicycling League Hawaii Bicycling League (HBL) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit founded in 1975 with a mission to enable more people to ride bicycles for health, recreation, and transportation through advocacy, education, and events. HBL advocates for increased and safer biking facilities, along with legislation to improve safety for all vulnerable users to continuously evolve our community into a better place for biking, rolling, and walking. HBL educates people of all ages and abilities to improve their cycling safety and comfort, and educates motorists about laws and how to reduce crashes with vulnerable users. HBL's BikeEd Hawaii program has taught bike safety to more than 100,000 4th graders since 1989. Signature events organized by HBL include the annual Honolulu Century Ride and the Haleiwa Metric Century, among others and numerous weekly group rides. HBL is funded by grants, donations, memberships, and proceeds from events. Complete information is available at www.hbl.orq.