Aloha, I am writing to bring to your attention a pressing safety concern that affects motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians in our Hawai’i county community. 

The issue at hand is the danger posed by cyclists riding on roads with no shoulder. This practice significantly increases the risk of accidents and endangers the lives of all road users.

Listed below is my reasoning.

1. Safety Hazard: Roads without shoulders offer no safe space for cyclists to ride, forcing them into the flow of vehicular traffic. This increases the likelihood of collisions, especially on narrow or winding roads where visibility is limited.
2. Traffic Disruption: Cyclists on such roads can cause significant traffic disruptions. Vehicles often need to slow down or make abrupt maneuvers to avoid accidents, leading to increased traffic congestion and the potential for “side-swiping”, rear-end collisions.
3. Emergency Access: In situations where emergency vehicles need to pass, the presence of cyclists on roads without shoulders can delay response times and potentially endanger lives.
4. Precedent: Many other regions have successfully implemented restrictions on cycling on roads without shoulders, leading to safer and more efficient traffic flow. Adopting similar measures in Hawaii county would align our road safety policies with these best practices.

To address these concerns, I propose the following measures:

1. Ban on Cycling on Roads without Shoulders: Implement a ban on cyclists using roads that lack a designated shoulder or bike lane.
2. Enforcement and Penalties: Introduce a ticketing system for cyclists who violate this regulation, ensuring compliance through fines.
3. Alternative Routes and Education: Although it is common knowledge where the safe and designated safe routes for cyclists are, we should encourage more education for motorists and cyclists alike, on where these roads are.

This petition reflects the concerns of many residents and motorists in our community who prioritize road safety. By taking these steps, we can significantly reduce the risk of accidents, improve traffic flow, and create a safer environment for everyone.

I urge you to consider this petition and take the necessary steps to implement these changes. Your attention to this matter is greatly appreciated. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Mahalo,

Lia-Ann Ka’ai, Hawai’i County lifelong resident.