Aloha Hawai’i Ohana

As you may be aware, there is a growing interest in Electric bikes (“e-bikes”) in Hawai’i. E-bikes are NOT currently allowed on state-managed trails but you have the rare opportunity to help change that on 9/16/20 2pm.
ZOOM information:

https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0qdu2srTMrGNwz5-cjP35WZhyTFZLUHSbl

E-bikes are proving to be a bike for ALL people. Their use not only opens up opportunities for individuals to start exercising and building healthier lifestyles but they also encourage the sport of biking to people with disabilities, ailments or those who have lost the ability to ride a regular bike altogether (i.e. amputees, paraplegics, etc.).
 
E-bikes provide individuals the opportunity to connect with nature, exercise with family members, and strive for a healthier lifestyle. Hawai’i now becomes a far more accessible place for our residents as people set out to explore the beautiful lands on e-bikes. The result is a win-win for Hawai’i!
 
The last thing any of us in the biking community want to see is people being discriminated against for riding an e-bike. Imagine the pride and joy someone who has lost their ability to ride a bike gets when they realize they are no longer too old, too injured or too disabled to ride a bike again. This is a life-changing realization for many of our residents and we, as a community, should welcome and encourage this change by improving e-bike access on our local trails.
Hawaii’s Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) does NOT currently allow e-bikes on state-managed trails, which includes natural surface mountain bike trails.
Hawaii State DLNR and Na Ala Hele (who manages the state’s Trail and Access Program) is going to discuss allowing e-bikes on state-managed trails at an upcoming MEETING on 9/16/20 2pm.

ZOOM information:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0qdu2srTMrGNwz5-cjP35WZhyTFZLUHSbl

If you are unable to attend here is a link the creates a template testimony letter that goes to the State decision makers.
You can add or take away what you like. Even if you are attending please send this as each individual email has a impact on there decision.

https://peopleforbikes.org/hawaiiebikeaccess/

Please HELP improve E-Bike access in Hawaii by signing this petition, share, and spread the word that we are asking the Na Ala Hele Advisory Board/Council members to ALLOW Class 1 E-Bikes wherever traditional bicycles are allowed on trails.
 
Here are some facts and data to support why they should allow e-bikes.
https://peopleforbikes.org/our-work/e-bikes/
 
In several independent studies, Class 1 e-bikes make .01% more impact on trails than regular bikes. That is not registrable.
https://b.3cdn.net/bikes/c3fe8a28f1a0f32317_g3m6bdt7g.pdf

Class 1 e-bikes are under 750w of power and are only engaged by human power.
All major manufactures make 250w bottom bracket pedal-assist motors which are only twice the power of a normal person and the equivalent to a top-level athlete 1/3 hp.
https://www.shimano-steps.com/e-bikes/europe/en/news/e-mtb-terminology-explained

70% of individuals buying e-bikes are 55-70 years old and do about the same distance as a normal rider. This means that trail usage is close to the same as that of traditional bicycle riders.
https://www.evelo.com/blog/a-survey-of-u-s-electric-bike-owners-and-interested-consumers/

25% of individuals buying e-bikes have medical conditions or have adaptive needs.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pn9IDwGpUog&feature=youtu.be

Please remember at 2pm Wednesday 9/16/20 2pm on Zoom the the Hawai DLNR will be deciding.
ZOOM information:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0qdu2srTMrGNwz5-cjP35WZhyTFZLUHSbl

Please SIGN this petition and let your voice be heard if not for you, than for others who can’t. Protect yours and their future.
Mahalo for your SUPPORT