The City of Oahu is on the brink of a cycling revolution that could lead to improved public health and safety. The Oahu Metropolitan Planning Organization has developed a comprehensive bike plan that, if successful, could add up to 1,880 bicycles and 170 docking stations to some of the most congested areas of the island. The plan also aims to increase the current 132 miles of lanes or bike lanes by an additional 559 miles over the next two to three decades. The Central Maui Pedestrian and Bicycle Master Plan is also in place to ensure that future development is adapted to Maui's diverse mobility needs, such as walking and biking.
Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell has made bicycle infrastructure a priority and plans to build Oahu's first protected bike path along King Street, which runs from downtown to the University of Hawaii at Manoa. Mike Formby, the city's transportation director, states that the goal of the Caldwell administration is to take the bike plan “to the next level by building not only bike lanes, but also protected bike lanes that encourage more residents to ride bikes and, hopefully, reduce traffic congestion. Hawaii B-Cycle has been working closely with the City and County of Honolulu Department of Transportation Services, the State Department of Transportation, and other agencies to improve bike lanes, bike paths, and other facilities so that bicycles and cars can safely and effectively share the road. Bike sharing is an innovative transportation program that offers users the ability to pick up a bicycle at any self-service station and return it to any other bicycle station located within the system's service area.
The comprehensive plan was prepared with broad public participation and includes a wide range of recommendations that support its vision of creating an island community where bicycles are a safe, viable, and popular travel option for residents and visitors of all ages. If successful, this plan could lead to improved public health on Oahu by providing more opportunities for cycling. The Oahu Metropolitan Planning Organization has created an ambitious bike plan that could revolutionize public health on the island. The plan includes adding 1,880 bicycles and 170 docking stations in congested areas as well as increasing current bike lanes from 132 miles to 559 miles over two to three decades.
The Central Maui Pedestrian and Bicycle Master Plan is also in place to ensure future development is adapted for walking and biking needs. Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell has made bicycle infrastructure a priority and plans to build Oahu's first protected bike path along King Street from downtown to the University of Hawaii at Manoa. Hawaii B-Cycle is working with various agencies to improve bike lanes, paths, and other facilities so that bicycles and cars can share the road safely. Bike sharing programs offer users the ability to pick up a bicycle at any self-service station and return it to any other station within its service area.
The comprehensive plan was created with broad public participation and includes recommendations that support its vision of creating an island community where bicycles are a safe, viable, and popular travel option for all ages. The City of Oahu is taking steps towards a cycling revolution that could have far-reaching implications for public health on the island. With an ambitious bike plan in place, Oahu could soon become a safer place for cyclists of all ages.
