On September 15, 2018, 25 people met in Kalama Park to celebrate the launch of Vision Zero Maui. Following Mayor Arakawa’s Vision Zero Proclamation of the goal to eliminate traffic fatalities on Maui by 2040, a group of cyclists went for a 5.6 mile bike ride through Kihei.
Comments on safety issues and potential solutions discussed during the bike ride:
Pi’ilani Highway @ Welakahao Road
Issues:
- Karl Hagen was struck while cycling on the shoulder of Pi’ilani Highway just south of Welakahao Rd. intersection. Driver was on drugs and unaware he had hit a person.
- Pinch points at bridges with narrow shoulder for cyclists – could ride on sidewalks but in danger of falling off bridge.
- Metal storm drains force cyclists into vehicle lanes.
- Rumble strips can be obstructions to cyclists.
- Pi’ilani Highway going from two lanes to four lanes reduced shoulder widths.
Solutions:
- Narrow lanes to slow cars down.
- Cantilevered bike and pedestrian lanes on bridges – start near new high school.
- Add striping to wide shoulders to prevent cars from entering to pass.
- Get more kids biking to school.
- Partner with Drivers’ Education Program to educate people about biking and driving safely.
- Extend Kihei bikeway south from Halekuai St to Welakahao Rd as soon as possible.
Kihei Bikeway @ Halekuai St
Issues:
- Confusing to cross intersection at Lipoa St and Liloa Drive to continue on bike path on opposite side of road.
- Short segment of bike path complete – needs to connect farther.
Solutions:
- Many people including lots of students us Kihei bikeway: proof that if you build it they will come
- Use Kihei bikeway as an example for other parts of Maui.
- Continue to extend bike path – should coincide with opening of new high school.
- Mayor’s community budget meetings are a good time to voice support for projects.
- Planned repaving of Lipoa Street is an opportunity to make it safer for walking and biking.
By the numbers
- Every year on Maui there are around 60 collisions involving people walking and 40 involving people biking.
- So far in 2018 there have been 13 traffic fatalities on Maui, compared to 7 fatalities in 2017.