Pedestrian, Bike Safety Focus of New Road Challenge

Mayor Billy Kenoi’s Active Living Advisory Council is prepared to take action in a new community-wide challenge to promote pedestrian and bicycle safety on roadways.

The “Safer People, Safer Streets” challenge was created by United States Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx to bring city and county leaders to make improvements for non-vehicle road users.

“The County of Hawai‘i recognizes the need to create safer, more connected walking and biking networks,” said Mayor Kenoi. “By improving walking and biking infrastructure, we contribute to the health, safety, transportation options, and quality of life of our Hawai‘i Island residents.”

A local action team will work to engage both Hawai’i County and State agencies and the Hawai’i County Council in the following areas:

• Take a “Complete Streets” approach to transportation design. Pedestrians, bicyclists, motorists, and transit riders of all ages and abilities should road share in a safe and convenient way.
• Take advantage of opportunities to improve through maintenance. Through the expansion and improvement of facilities, pedestrians and bicyclists should be safe, use convenient facilities, and have interconnected transportation networks for a diverse range of abilities and ages.
• Improve walking and biking safety laws and regulations. Outlines and clarification of safe road use will allow road sharing, consequences for violations, and the promotion of cooperation and commitment to rule following.
• Educate and enforce proper road use behavior by all. An education and enforcement plan for pedestrian and bicyclist safety will provide drivers, pedestrians, and bicyclists with comprehensive information.