Bikeshare Kona Hawaii Island Launches Aug. 30

With the bikeshare stations currently being installed, Bikeshare Kona Hawaii Island is set to launch in Kailua-Kona on Tuesday, Aug. 30.

Bikeshare is a system of publicly accessible bikes that its riders can use for short trips between a network of unattended bike docking stations.

Thirty-two bikes will be shared between three stations located at the Courtyard Marriot King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel (75-5660 Palani Road), Hale Halawai Pavilion (75-5760 Ali’i Drive) and at 75-5824 Kahakai Road in Kailua-Kona (next to On the Rocks and Huggo’s).

The three initial stations are envisioned to be the beginning of a robust bikeshare system on Hawaii Island.

Together, the stations will cover approximately a 1.5-mile stretch along the Kailua-Kona coastline.

BKHI will provide residents and visitors a new and viable transportation option that will be healthy, fun and affordable.

The major goal for the system is to provide convenient mobility for people who live, work or play in Kailua-Kona. The bikes are designed for short trips of one to four miles and will provide a cheaper, healthier, friendlier and often faster alternative to driving.

BKHI users can check out bikes with a credit card. Residents and visitors can enjoy a single ride for $3.50 for each 30 minutes of use, or a “standard 60” package for $25 per month, which allows for unlimited 60-minute rides each month.

Bikes can be checked out by everyone 18 years of age and older with a credit card. Teens 16 and 17 also can ride when authorized by a parent or guardian.

Mayor Billy Kenoi’s Active Living Advisory Council and PATH (Peoples Advocacy for Trails Hawaii), a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization, and the County of Hawai‘i Department of Research and Development, created the bikeshare pilot program that PATH will manage.

BKHI advances Mayor Kenoi’s vision of healthy and active Hawai‘i Island communities.

“We’re excited to launch Bikeshare Kona Hawaii Island for the benefit of both residents and visitors,” said Tina Clothier, executive director of PATH. “… This is the beginning of a comprehensive bike network throughout the island to help increase connectivity between communities and encourage healthy and active lifestyles.”

Tomorrow at 11:30 a.m., Clothier will join Mayor Kenoi and the Mayor’s Active Living Advisory Council to celebrate the launch of BKHI, as well as a new Bicycle & Pedestrian Safety Campaign that will be deployed island wide. The launch will take place at Hale Halawai Pavilion (75-5760 Ali’i Drive), home to one of the bikeshare stations.

PATH will be joining Kaiser Permanente and other community partners participating in the public campaign to help raise awareness of bicyclists and pedestrians in the community.

The “Share the Road with Aloha” campaign will feature messages encouraging motorists to be mindful of sharing the road and staying alert of bicyclists and pedestrians.

To stay up to date with Bikeshare Kona Hawaii Island developments, go online www.bikesharehawaiiisland.org (the website will go live on Aug. 30).