{"id":120,"date":"2021-04-06T20:32:23","date_gmt":"2021-04-07T06:32:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/hawaiibybike.com\/?p=120"},"modified":"2021-04-17T21:33:38","modified_gmt":"2021-04-18T07:33:38","slug":"overcoming-barriers-to-bike-hawaii","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/hawaiibybike.com\/overcoming-barriers-to-bike-hawaii\/","title":{"rendered":"Overcoming Barriers to Riding a Bicycle in Hawaii"},"content":{"rendered":"[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]\n

One of my objectives with this website is to help people with an interest in bicycling overcome concerns and fears that may be prohibiting them from riding and reaching their destination. In this article, I address concerns that we may share and how I approach them. Ride on!<\/p>\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_single_image source=”featured_image” css=”.vc_custom_1618731176286{margin-top: 30px !important;margin-bottom: 30px !important;}” img_caption=”Road Blocks to Bicycling”][vc_column_text]\n

Bicycling in Traffic<\/h3>\n

Before I started to ride in Hawaii, I had two big excuses not to ride: the roads and traffic were terrible and the terrain was daunting. I rarely saw bicyclists. The road space devoted to dedicated bicycle routes and lanes was paltry. There didn\u2019t seem like alternative roads with less traffic. There have been slight in-roads to the space allocation devoted to bicycling.<\/p>\n

Thanks to Hilo Bayfront Trails<\/a>, we have a dedicated multi-use trail that runs in front of the ocean from downtown Hilo to Bayshore Park. Over seven years of dedicated work to get this project to partial fruition, there are plans to extend additional dedicated off-traffic paths throughout Hilo.<\/p>\n

Other nods to bike traffic include Kapiolani extension, while extremely short, is a new road with pre-planned bicycle lanes. Other places within the city have lines redrawn to allocate roadways to bicyclists. City planning department has adopted a long-term plan “Downtown Hilo Mult-model Master Plan<\/a>” to improve access. Feel free to contact your county and state representatives to further fund projects for bicycle travel improvements.<\/p>\n

This map of Hilo bike routes<\/a> shows more bike-friendly ways, either because they have wide shoulders, less traffic, Hawaiian-style sidewalks, or are off main routes. Obviously, cycling at non-peak hours is the best way to avoid traffic, but the ideal time may change depending on the route. Old Mamalahoa Highway scenic route gets busier when the Botanical Garden is open. Downtown Hilo is busier on Sat. and Wed. due to the Farmer\u2019s Market. Paying attention to these considerations can give you guidance on what\u2019s the ideal time and route for you to ride.<\/p>\n

Bike Fitness<\/h3>\n

My other excuse was that I thought riding up all of the hills was just too much. Whether you are looking to get around town to shop, or set a goal for a century ride, getting the confidence to tackle the terrain will open up more riding opportunities. Start with these easier bike routes in Hilo<\/a> until you get comfortable. Then expand new routes.<\/p>\n

When I finally made it up Ainako without stopping, I thought I could tackle anything! Be kind to yourself, put the gear low and take breaks when you need it. Keep it enjoyable and your strength and confidence will grow! If an e-bike is the right fit for you, then do it. I would encourage you to get into habits and routines to ride each week. It\u2019s a lot easier to ride consistently and maintain a level than it is to adjust to fits and stops.<\/p>\n

Bike Gear for Hawaii<\/h3>\n

Being more visible had a huge impact on how motorists reacted to me. Once I got fluorescent and with a really bright light, I noticed a large difference in how close cars passed and whether they waited for my right of way. As with any physical activity, clothing that fits properly is important.<\/p>\n

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