The Oahu Bike Plan is a vision to create a bike path system that is accessible to all levels, abilities and ages. The BiKEED program, which began in 1989, has been teaching fourth-grade students on Oahu how to ride a bicycle, the basic principles of cycling safety, and traffic laws. The program has reached more than 100,000 students and is open to public charter and private schools. The results of this year's Bike Plan Hawaii Refresh survey show that the lack of bike paths, along with unsafe drivers, are the main reason why bicycles rust in garages across the state.
Despite the boom in bicycles during the pandemic, there has been no progress in implementing the state bicycle plan over the past 10 years. This means that bicycle use is not high on the Department of Transportation's priority list. One project awaiting funding is the reconstruction of the Sunset Beach bike path. Rex Dubiel Shanahan, the coordinator of the North Shore Outdoor Circle bike path, has been lobbying Mayor Rick Blangiardi on behalf of his entire administration for this project. Biking enthusiasts have welcomed every new bike path, no matter how small and unconnected. However, they understand that “the complex and lengthy legal and planning processes take a long time before real construction can be expected”.
Therefore, it is important to incorporate bike safety education into the Oahu Bike Plan to ensure that cyclists are aware of their rights and responsibilities when using bike paths. The BiKEED program is an excellent way to educate students on cycling safety. It should be expanded to reach more students and include more topics such as helmet safety and road rules. Additionally, cycling safety should be incorporated into driver's education classes so that drivers are aware of cyclists on the road. In order for the Oahu Bike Plan to be successful, it is essential that bike safety education is incorporated into it. This will ensure that cyclists are aware of their rights and responsibilities when using bike paths and that drivers are aware of cyclists on the road.
By doing so, we can create a safe environment for cyclists and encourage more people to use bicycles as a form of transportation. As an expert in SEO optimization, I believe that incorporating bike safety education into the Oahu Bike Plan is essential for its success. It will ensure that cyclists are aware of their rights and responsibilities when using bike paths and that drivers are aware of cyclists on the road. This will create a safe environment for cyclists and encourage more people to use bicycles as a form of transportation.
